The Berlin virologist Christian Drosten has pointed to the spread of the West Nile virus in Germany. "The number of mosquitoes carrying the virus seems to be increasing at the moment," Drosten told the newspapers of the Funke media group (Saturday editions). The mosquitoes are now found in Berlin and in large parts of eastern Germany. In recent years, there have already been the first cases of illness in Berlin.

There is no reason to panic, said Drosten. However, he recommends looking at the facts. The West Nile virus can cause encephalitis. Studies have shown that in newly infested areas, the rate of severe illness is one in 1000,<> infected people, "but severe courses can lead to permanent disability," Drosten warned.

According to Drosten, development is due to climate change

Drosten made it clear that he also attributes the development to climate change. The West Nile virus was introduced via migratory birds from tropical latitudes. "We know that it is now wintering here, probably also because it is no longer cold enough," said the head of the Institute of Virology at the Charité in Berlin.

It is possible that there will soon be a vaccine against the West Nile virus, Drosten promised. "Research is ongoing." Drosten pointed out that there is already a vaccine for a closely related disease: tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).