A common mosquito living in Europe has developed a strong resistance to insecticides, according to a recent study conducted by the Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp (ITG), reports the Belga agency.

The resistance developed by this type of mosquito (Culex pipiens) is not without health consequences, as, according to the research center, it prevents, for example, the fight against the spread of West Nile fever.

Common mosquitoes in Europe have developed strong resistance to insecticides

Several Mediterranean countries had already reported similar cases of mosquito resistance, but the ITG wanted to test these suspicions. His research has confirmed resistance to a number of common insecticides, including permethrin, deltamethrin, malathion, bendiocarb and DDT.

Mosquitoes used by ITG were exposed to these insecticides for 24 hours, and less than 90% of them died after that time period, suggesting resistance.

This confirmation is bad news for public health, as the bites of these insects can spread several diseases to humans.

“Faced with these risks of infection, especially the spread of West Nile, the response is often to disperse insecticides. But with such resistance, this means of control will no longer be an option, and we will become more vulnerable,” the Belgian research center warns.

ITG is currently studying alternative countermeasures, including biological control and artificial intelligence.

In recent years, cases of West Nile fever have increased in Europe. The virus mainly affects birds and horses, but a few cases of human infection have been reported. A small number of infected people develop flu-like symptoms, which in some cases can lead to death.

Three Romanians have died from West Nile this year

Romania’s National Institute of Public Health announced last week that from the start of the West Nile virus surveillance period (June 6, 2023) to August 17, 2023, there were 7 confirmed cases and one probable case of West Nile virus infection, three of which resulted in to death

Deaths were registered in Satu-Mare (1), Ilfov (1) and Dolj (1) counties.

Three cases of West Nile infection were registered in the age group of 50-59 years, four – in the age group of 60-69 years and one case – in the age group of 70-79 years. In five cases, they were men, and in three – women. Four cases were registered in urban areas and four in rural areas.

Depending on the territorial unit of influence, the cases of West Nile virus infection had the following distribution: the city of Bucharest (2) and the counties: Dolj (2), Ilfov (2), Satu Mare (1) and Galati (1). The West Nile virus case had a double infection in both Bucharest city and Tulcea county.

INSP recommendations for the public are as follows:

• avoid contact with mosquitoes by wearing long-sleeved clothes and long pants;
• use chemical means against mosquitoes;
• to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house (through protective nets on the windows);
• ensure the drainage of puddles around the homestead;
• remove containers with stagnant water and household waste from the house. (News.ro)