We observe, assess and evaluate the effects of the environment on human health.
In particular...
- Health hazards due to heat. Further information on the subject of heat protection can be found on our Heat and Health website under the following link: Heat and health.
- Asian tiger mosquito and other health pests
- Contaminated sites and soil contamination
- Indoor pollution (mold, wood preservatives, asbestos, artificial mineral fibers, polychlorinated biphenyls, etc.)
- Air pollution, emissions of air pollutants, ozone and noise
- health hazards from electromagnetic, radioactive and ultraviolet radiation
- possible health hazards from chemicals.
Do you have mold infestation in your private or rented home? On the website Netzwerk Schimmelpilzberatung BW of the Landesgesundheitsamts you will find information if you are affected by mold in your private living environment. You can access the website via the following link: Mold Advice Network BW.
Asian tiger mosquito
The Asian tiger mosquito is an invasive species of mosquito and is continuing to spread in the district.
Good to know:
- The tiger mosquito bites during the day and can transmit viruses such as the dengue or chikungunya virus.
- The bite of a tiger mosquito behaves like the bites of other mosquito species.
- Breeding sites can be found around the house in the garden and on the balcony.
- Typical breeding sites include watering cans, flower pot saucers, rain barrels, paddling pools (without chlorination) or bird baths.
- During the breeding season of the tiger mosquito (around April-October), it is sufficient for the water in the container used for laying eggs to stand for seven days and not dry out.
To reduce the number of tiger mosquitoes and their spread, it is very important to remove breeding sites on your own property.
For example
- Avoid standing water, e.g. turn buckets and other containers upside down or store them dry
- Seal rain barrels
- Regularly replace water in bird baths, coasters or paddling pools
- Treat water points that cannot be removed or sealed with so-called Bti tablets
As the tiger mosquito does not stop at property boundaries, it is also very important to inform neighbors and encourage them to help remove possible breeding sites.
Further information can be found under the following link on the website of the State Health Office: Asian tiger mosquitoes - information for citizens
A flyer from the State Health Office provides information about the tiger mosquito and gives advice on how to combat it. You can download the flyer from the following link: We have to fight: The Asian tiger mosquito
Recommendation for travel returnees
People visiting a country where diseases such as dengue or chikungunya are persistent or where a current outbreak is being observed should ensure that they use mosquito repellent both during and after their trip. This recommendation applies without restriction and is independent of disease symptoms. If symptoms develop after a trip, this should be mentioned when visiting your family doctor. Insect screens on windows and doors as well as insect repellents help protect against mosquito bites. Mosquito protection should be maintained for two weeks after returning from vacation to prevent transmission of the virus to a mosquito.
Do you need advice on travel medicine? Further information and contact details can be found under the following link: Yellow fever vaccination center, travel medical consultations and vaccinations.
