Klimawandel und vektorübertragene Erkrankungen – Bedeutung für die Intensiv- und Notfallmedizin

Tropical diseases are becoming increasingly important in medical care in Germany due to climate change and the spread of vectors and viruses. The widely distributed Culex mosquitoes in Germany can transmit the West Nile virus, which causes West Nile fever. Severe neuroinvasive disease courses with acute flaccid paralysis, meningitis, and encephalitis are possible. The invasive tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is increasingly establishing itself in Germany and is a potent vector of viruses that have so far occurred mainly in tropical–subtropical areas, including dengue and chikungunya virus. Severe dengue cases can manifest with hemorrhagic dengue fever, shock, or organ involvement. Dengue fever is currently still a travel-related disease in Germany. However, this may change in the context of climate change and increasing vector populations. Enhanced training and continuing education programs, as well as an expansion of diagnostic infrastructure and networking of health authorities and mosquito control, are crucial for optimal patient care.