Oberschleißheim (dpa / lby) – Bavaria wants to monitor the spread of foreign mosquitoes in the Free State as far as possible. Health Minister Klaus Holetschek (CSU) set up the first mosquito trap for a feasibility study on Friday at the Bavarian State Office for Health and Food Safety (LGL) in Oberschleißheim (Munich district). By the end of 2023, the authority is to investigate the conditions under which systematic observation of non-native mosquito species is possible on behalf of the Ministry of Health and the Environment.
Climate change means “foreign, invasive mosquito species can spread in Bavaria,” said Holetschek. “This also increases the risk that diseases such as dengue fever or chikungunya can also be transmitted here.” The Chikungunya virus is particularly prevalent in southern and eastern Africa and southern Asia and can cause fever and joint pain.
“We must act now to minimize the consequences of climate change for the public,” stressed Holetschek. “There are already first finds of invasive mosquitoes in Bavaria – but so far only accidental finds.” In order to take targeted action against the insects, the authorities would need more information.
