Dossier

Diseases transferred by insects

Vector-borne diseases are diseases that are transferred via insects (a vector). This can, for example, occur between animals and humans.

Animal diseases

Most of the animal diseases that occur in the Netherlands are directly transferred from one animal to another. But other diseases are gaining territory. Diseases that formerly only occurred in the sub-tropics and tropics are moving north and have reached the Netherlands. Diseases such as Rift Valley fever and Bluetongue disease require a specific control strategy. Preventative depopulation does contain the disease, but does not eradicate it. The best way to control these diseases is through prevention.

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Mosquitoes as disease vectors

There are approximately 3,500 different species of mosquitoes worldwide. According to the Dutch Species Register, 36 unique species occur in the Netherlands. Mosquitoes can carry various pathogens, such as viruses and parasites, which can cause dangerous diseases.

Malaria

Malaria is caused by the parasite Plasmodium and transmitted by malaria mosquitoes of the Anopheles genus. Hundreds of thousands of people die from malaria worldwide every year. Scientists at Wageningen University & Research are working on new strategies to combat malaria, aimed at both the mosquito and the parasite. This research contributes to global efforts to reduce malaria and save lives.

West Nile virus

The West Nile virus, which can be transmitted by the house mosquito (of the Culex genus), has recently been found in the Netherlands. Infections usually do not cause symptoms, but can sometimes lead to serious encephalitis or meningitis. Wageningen University & Research is working with national laboratories to investigate how the virus spreads and is transmitted by Dutch mosquitoes. This helps us understand how we can prevent further spread in the future.

Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection that is transmitted by the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti. This disease mainly occurs in tropical and subtropical areas. Dengue can cause serious symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache and pain in the joints and muscles. Sometimes dengue can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening. It is important to prevent mosquito bites to reduce the spread of this disease.

Zika

The Zika virus is also mainly spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and has led to a major outbreak in Latin America and the Caribbean since 2015. The infection is usually mild, but if a pregnant woman becomes infected, it can cause serious brain damage to the unborn child. Wageningen University & Research is investigating whether Dutch mosquito species can transmit this virus, to assess whether there is a chance of an outbreak in the Netherlands.

Ticks as disease vectors

Tick bites can cause Lyme’s disease in humans. The percentage of ticks that is a carrier of the bacterium varies from place to place and from one year to another. According to research conducted by Wageningen University & Research, an average 15.1% of all the ticks in the Netherlands carry the Borrelia bacteria that causes Lyme’s disease.

Wageningen University & Research, RIVM and Nature Today are also the driving forces behind Tekenradar (Tick Radar), a website that predicts tick activity in the Netherlands.