Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Belgium has witnessed two instances of malaria which are commonly referred to as airport malaria and suitcase malaria . This serves to show an increase in global traveling dangers. As a result Belgian airports have taken up the task of being watchful on mosquitoes that could carry malaria. They have also urged their employees to report any physical signs or sightings of these insects.
In the last two months two people in Belgium got malaria but they didn’t catch it in a tropical area like usual. They were bitten by a travelling mosquito right here in Belgium. One person at Brussels Airport got malaria from a mosquito there known as airport malaria. Another person at Liege airport got malaria from a mosquito that survived in her suitcase called suitcase malaria.
Are rising malaria cases in Belgium linked to travelling mosquitoes?
The incidence of malaria is unusual in Belgium yet there is a rise in incidences. At minimum one case has existed every year for the last five years. More flights from foreign countries mean that a mosquito that carries malaria is more likely to move into an airplane or a traveler’s bag. The Care Agency is awfully conscious at airports. Belgian airports remain cautious about invasion by mosquitoes that transmit malaria virus including tiger mosquito and Aedes aegypti which is the vector of yellow fever virus.
The staff are asked to stay alert take photos of any mosquitos they see and try to catch them. Posters and meetings are reminding the staff about the dangers of these mosquitos. The warmer weather in Belgium makes it a nicer place for insects. Malaria mosquitos can’t live here permanently but they can survive for a while during warmer periods and travel to Belgium. Doctors are told to look for malaria symptoms in the summer even if someone hasn’t been to a risky place. Symptoms are like the flu – fever, aches, headaches, diarrhea and chills. It can get serious with breathing issues, jaundice, confusion and coma. Some get sick later 10-30 days after a bite. Malaria can be treated but still kills many yearly. A Belgian couple died in 2020. Most victims are kids under five. Most deaths in Nigeria (31%), Congo (12%), Niger (6%) and Tanzania (4%).
