[The Asian Tiger Mosquito (Aedes albopictus) as a Challenge for the Public Health Service: An Example of a Risk Management Strategy Adapted to the Situation at the Local Level].

Aim Of The Study: Case report on risk management for the epidemiology of an infectious disease threat scenario at the municipal level using the example of the Asian tiger mosquito (ATM) with communication of figures based on experience to stakeholders in the public health service METHODS: Formal and substantive presentation of a list of defined control measures together with site-specific modification and evaluation of efficacy RESULTS: Based on a timely education campaign, establishment of a population of ATM first observed in the fall of 2016 could be prevented at the local level. With favourable low temperatures during the 2016/2017 winter months, primarily physical control methods were effective. In the spring of 2017, ATM was no longer detected by a total of 4 monitoring units, each with a suction trap and 3 passive traps. In the following period, up to and including the spring of 2019, no invasive species of mosquito were identified in the cemetery originally involved or in the adjacent residential areas or recreational grounds Overall, cooperation among external experts and stakeholders from the public health service at the level of individualised medicine were able to prevent an insect-borne infection of the local population; a gradual approach following defined criteria for insect control proved to be effective and efficient.

Conclusion: The occurrence of the ATM is primarily a local event that requires a differentiated weighing-up between a specific and abstract hazard potential by the regional health authorities. In addition to an objective and prompt education campaign for the population involved as a trust-building action, primary physical control measures in terms of barrier measures are effective; if necessary, chemical and biological controls can be used as complementary measures.