Good afternoon!
As if we didn't have enough to worry about, we now apparently have to worry about Tiger mosquitoes. These pesky insects aren't just critters that bite stripy oversized felines – rather, they pose a real risk to us humans and our health apparently.
According to the Antwerp Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), we all need to be vigilant in order to resist the invasion of Aedes albopictus, or the tiger mosquito, which continues to spread each year. They love rain and pooling water – so just like us, they love it here!
On a serious note, the tiger mosquito is black with white stripes and can transmit viruses like dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses.
Another thing that likes the rain is a public holiday, and sure enough, with one coming up on Monday (Whit) it's going to be wet all through the weekend until – you guessed it – Tuesday, when it's supposed to get sunny and dry again. And in case you don't know what Whit is, we will explain all, and give you some suggestions of what to do and where to go over the long weekend, so check our website regularly for inspiration.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. New shooting in Anderlecht: One person seriously injured on Thursday morning
The victim was shot in the chest by the Westland Shopping centre at around 09:00, and is in a critical condition. Read more.
2. Brussels one step closer to new tram line to North Station and city centre
The tram line will initially connect Belgica to Brussels North station. Later, it will be extended to the Central Station and possibly to Ixelles. Read more.
3. Tiger mosquito alert: Belgians urged to be vigilant
New breeding locations are detected each year and the invasive tiger mosquito is starting to establish itself in Belgium. Read more.
4. Bunny biscuits and white speculoos: Flanders recognises four new regional products
"We should express more pride in Flemish products made by craftsmen and craftswomen. Not everyone gets the recognition just like that." Read more.
5. Sperm donation: Belgian Medicines Agency to Public Prosecutor over two fertility centres
53 children were conceived using sperm from a Danish donor who ultimately turned out to be a carrier of a cancer-causing genetic abnormality. Read more.
6. Belgium sees drop in number of dollar millionaires
While the overall number of millionaires declined, the wealth of Belgium's super-rich rose by 9% in 2024. Read more.
7. The Brussels Times Gig Guide: What are the best concerts in June?
Find out the best gigs in Brussels for you and your friends to not miss this month. Read more.
