The Zika virus epidemic in particular has highlighted the threat resulting from bloodsucking parasites. In the past, Europeans attributed health concerns mostly to ticks, while mosquitoes were regarded mainly as a nuisance.
This has changed in the last few years. Two autochthonous transmissions of the dengue virus by Aedes albopictus where confirmed in France in 2010 and 2013.1 In 2016 Borrelia genes were found in four different mosquito genera, including Culex and Aedes in Germany.2 Moreover, scientists do not rule out a transmission of the Zika virus by European mosquitoes.3
Despite these growing threats resulting from mosquito bites, ticks still represent a much higher risk for human health in Europe. The most common tick in Europe is the castor bean tick (Ixodes ricinus). This species can transmit the arbo-virus which causes tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). In severe cases this can be fatal for weak patients. Borreliosis is another illness transmitted by the castor bean tick. This can lead to paralysis and impaired vision.
Mode of action of repellents and measurement of efficacy
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