Asian Tiger Mosquitoes Expand Presence in Belgium, Raising Public Health Concerns

The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), a species capable of transmitting tropical diseases like dengue fever, is becoming increasingly established in Belgium. Surveillance efforts and climate change are contributing to its spread, prompting increased vigilance and control measures.

Rising Sightings and Established Populations

Reports of suspected tiger mosquitoes have risen significantly in recent years. In 2024, more than 800 reports were made through the citizen science platform MuggenSurveillance, a more than 100-report increase compared to the previous year. Thirteen of these reports were confirmed as tiger mosquitoes .

As of August 2024, tiger mosquitoes had been detected at nine locations across Belgium, including Boom, Humbeek, Ghent, Schelle in Flanders, Verviers in Wallonia, and Sint-Joost-ten-Node in Brussels. Confirmed overwintering – the ability of the mosquito to survive the winter months – has been observed in five locations: Ath, Kessel-Lo, Lebbeke, Puurs-Sint-Amands, and Wilrijk .

Factors Contributing to the Spread

The spread of the Asian tiger mosquito is linked to several factors. Climate change is playing a significant role, creating more favorable conditions for the species to survive and reproduce. The mosquito primarily spreads by hitchhiking on passenger and freight vehicles, explaining the concentration of reports along major roadways .

Control Measures and Public Health Response

Flemish authorities are stepping up measures to combat the spread of the Asian tiger mosquito. The Flemish Nature and Woodland Agency and the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp have been collaborating for four years to monitor the mosquito’s spread . Rentokil, a pest control company appointed by the Flemish government, is actively working to control the population in recently invaded areas .

Sciensano, the Belgian public health science institute, maintains a platform for public reporting of mosquito sightings, aiding in surveillance efforts . In 2024, Sciensano registered 47 reports of sightings across 21 municipalities in Belgium, compared to 12 reports in 2022.

Potential Health Risks

The Asian tiger mosquito can carry tropical diseases, including dengue fever. The increasing presence of this mosquito in Belgium raises concerns about the potential for local transmission of these diseases .

What You Can Do

Citizens are encouraged to take preventative measures, such as eliminating stagnant water sources in their gardens, where mosquitoes breed. Rentokil emphasizes that collective action – every citizen cleaning up their garden – can significantly impact control efforts .