Do you know everything there is to know about mosquitoes? Or are the buzzing insects rather unknown territory for you? Sciensano launches a survey to get a better view of the current knowledge and perception of mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses among the Belgian population and of what people do to avoid mosquito bites. All adults living in Belgium can fill in the online survey until the end of October. The results will be used to better inform citizens about mosquitoes, health risks and preventive actions.
Following the recent launch of www.SurveillanceMoustiques.be, where anyone who spots a tiger mosquito can report it, Sciensano is now kicking off its “Knowledge, attitude and practices about/toward mosquitoes survey”. Aimed at mapping among the population common knowledge and attitude, as well as knowledge gaps and barriers in relation to mosquitoes, the diseases they propagate, the health risks they impose and how to prevent them, this survey is the latest addition to Sciensano and ITM’s research efforts into the emergence of exotic mosquitoes of the Aedes family in our geographical region.
“Until now, mosquito-borne diseases are not common (not endemic) in Europe but we have seen them more often in recent years”, says Sciensano scientist Dr. Valeska Laisnez. “We can expect sporadic outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases such as zika, dengue and chikungunya in the near future in Belgium. Human behaviour is key in preventing such diseases. It is therefore important to raise awareness among citizens and inform them correctly and clearly on what they can do to protect themselves. That’s why Sciensano is now launching a study into the basic knowledge and attitude of Belgians towards mosquitoes.”
Your participation makes a difference!
The results of this online survey will give us valuable information about the current perceptions and knowledge of and practices towards mosquitoes and mosquito-borne viruses among the Belgian population. This will enable us to formulate well-founded recommendations for the authorities with regard to the information and communication needs. “Correct information, tailored to the needs of the population, and involving citizens if an outbreak occurs, is the best way to avoid or contain outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases”, concludes Dr. Laisnez.
We invite all adults (18+) residing in Belgium to fill in the online survey before the end of October. It takes less than 15 minutes.