Leuven Residents Help Monitor Mosquitoes

Leuven (The Brussels Morning) – Sciensano, Belgium’s health institute, has initiated a significant project aimed at monitoring mosquito species across the country, enlisting the help of citizens to collect larvae and eggs. This initiative, which will run until October, seeks to evaluate the potential risk of tropical viruses spreading in Belgium as a consequence of climate change. The study will focus on identifying which mosquito species inhabit the region and their capacity to transmit these viruses. With the increasing prevalence of tropical viruses linked to climate change, Sciensano aims to determine whether local mosquito populations can harbor and transmit these pathogens to humans and animals. By examining the interactions between mosquitoes and their environments, the project intends to assess the risks associated with emerging infectious diseases in Belgium. The data collected will be crucial for understanding mosquito behavior in a changing climate and for developing effective disease control strategies. To assist in this effort, citizens are encouraged to identify and manage mosquito larvae around their homes. These larvae typically thrive in stagnant water found in various household items, such as plant pots and rain barrels. They are small, measuring less than a centimeter, and exhibit a distinctive wriggling motion, making them relatively easy to spot. Eliminating standing water is essential to prevent the growth of mosquito larvae into adult mosquitoes, thereby reducing the risk of disease transmission. This community-driven approach not only aids scientific research but also empowers individuals to take proactive measures in their own environments.