Cartoon warning: No attacks, as of now, reads the description
In the heart of Europe, Latvia is grappling with a surprising oversight in its environmental monitoring – mosquitoes. The country's mosquito population, particularly species suspected of carrying viral diseases, remains largely uncharted territory[3][4].
This summer, for the first time, the Bior Institute has taken on the task of monitoring the mosquito population in Latvia[5]. However, the exact locations where traps have been installed remain undisclosed[1]. The purpose of this monitoring is to identify species that carry viral diseases, a crucial step in preventing potential outbreaks[2].
The caricature published by Baltnews, created by Gatis Slut, draws a comparison between the mosquito monitoring in Latvia and the situation in Estonia, where wild boars were once suspected of being sent by Russia[6]. Yet, it's essential to clarify that the caricature does not provide evidence of Russia sending contagious mosquitoes to Latvia.
Latvia's lack of detailed surveillance or identification programs targeting mosquitoes that transmit viruses like dengue, West Nile virus, or other arboviruses, is a concern. Unlike some other EU countries, Latvia does not have official scientific data or comprehensive national monitoring specifically dedicated to the mosquito population[3][4].
While Latvia is engaged in environmental monitoring activities for other pests, such efforts have not been extended explicitly to mosquitoes or viral disease vectors as of yet[1][3]. Health surveillance reports for viral diseases (such as measles) are available but relate to human cases rather than vector monitoring[2].
In essence, the current status of mosquito population monitoring in Latvia is minimal or non-existent in terms of official scientific data and specific species identification related to viral disease carriers[3][4]. This implies a potential gap in vector-borne disease surveillance infrastructure in Latvia compared to some other European countries.
As the summer progresses, the Bior Institute's work will undoubtedly provide valuable insights into Latvia's mosquito population. Until then, the country remains greyed out on the European Union mosquito distribution map, a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done.
The Bior Institute's initiative to monitor Latvia's mosquito population offers promise for identifying vector species that carry viral diseases, which could help prevent potential outbreaks. However, the country's environmental science related to medical-conditions transmitted by mosquitoes, such as dengue, West Nile virus, and others, is currently deficient, compared to some EU counterparts. Health-and-wellness surveillance reports for humans are available, but there is a lack of detailed scientific data or national monitoring specifically for mosquito populations.
