First time in BiH: Extremely dangerous tiger mosquitoes appear in Laktaši

Extremely dangerous tiger mosquitoes, known as carriers of the deadly West Nile virus, have been discovered in the area of Laktaši municipality. This insect, a carrier of many infectious diseases, has been registered for the first time in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and it was discovered at the Dr. Vaso Butozan Institute, reports the Patria news agency.

Dengue fever, West Nile virus, yellow fever, and Japanese encephalitis are just some of the diseases that can be transmitted by the bite of these insects.

-We set traps at several locations. In the area of Laktaši municipality, we found tiger mosquitoes that have not been registered in these areas until now, which is a clear signal for us that diseases that have never appeared in this region could emerge, said Drago Nedić, director of the Vaso Butozan Veterinary Institute.

West Nile virus causes a severe neurological infection that can lead to meningitis. Symptoms of the disease include sudden weakness in the arms and legs, and difficulty breathing. More severe forms of the disease are most often contracted by those with weaker immune systems, children, and the elderly. Because of this, residents in the surrounding Laktaši villages are already on alert. Snježana Grbić from Jakupovci near Laktaši is most afraid for the youngest, and says she does not know how to protect herself.

-I have grandchildren and I am afraid if they have determined that this can be dangerous, says Grbić.

The Institute announces that they will soon begin systematic destruction of mosquitoes, which spread and reproduce quickly. They say that the appearance of tiger mosquitoes is not surprising because climate changes in these regions are leading to milder winters and hotter summers, which favors this type of insect.

Tiger mosquitoes appeared in Serbia last year, and after that, five people fell ill from the West Nile virus, while one person died. Unlike the common mosquito, which is active at night, the tiger mosquito is a very aggressive, diurnally active species that attacks throughout the day, ATV reported.