SURVEILLANCE OF EXOTIC MOSQUITOES IN BELGIUM 2025-2029

The introduction of exotic Aedes mosquito species (EAMS) has been recognized for several years as a potential threat to health in Europe and also in Belgium. These mosquitoes may be vectors of Aedes-borne infections (Aedes borne diseases ABD) such as chikungunya, dengue or Zika. Therefore, surveillance of mosquitoes is of utmost importance so that if EAMS is detected, early action can be taken to prevent or delay as much as possible their introduction and establishment. The cost of preventing or delaying EAMS establishment is much less than costs that will occur once EAMS are established and there is transmission of ABD. Since the first detection of an exotic Aedes species in Belgium in 2000, governments have funded specific projects to monitor mosquitoes.

In this context, the MEMO+ project aims to monitor the introduction of exotic Aedes mosquitoes, such as the tiger mosquito, in Belgium.  ITM actively monitors the tiger mosquito at various import locations where new findings are notified. The entomological surveillance will allow authorities to advise on the necessary measures to reduce health impacts.