Epidemiological surveillance
Sciensano’s Epidemiology of infectious diseases service is responsible for the epidemiological surveillance of several mosquito-borne diseases. For this purpose, we collect data through different surveillance systems, which allow us to:
- describe the occurrence of the diseases in Belgium
- follow-up trends over time
- and identify possible risk factors for infection.
More information is available by disease under ‘Health topics A-Z’.
Mosquito surveillance (MEMO+)
The MEMO+ project aims to monitor the introduction of exotic Aedes mosquitoes, such as the tiger mosquito, into Belgium. The Institute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp (ITM) is actively tracking Aedes mosquitoes and eggs at the level of potential entry points, such as highway parking lots and tire companies. Sciensano coordinates the passive monitoring, through a citizen science project, where citizens are invited to report the presence of tiger mosquitoes by uploading photos via a website.
Research
Sciensano’s Exotic and vector-borne diseases service performs research on the interaction between native mosquitoes and West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, in order to evaluate whether locally present mosquitoes would be able to transmit these viruses upon an accidental introduction. Furthermore, they study the interaction between Japanese encephalitis virus and its natural host, i.e. the pig, to increase our preparedness for this and other flaviviruses.