Mosquito overpopulation in AMBA: which species is the most numerous and how does it differ from dengue species

Argentina still facing epidemic dengue with more than 438,000 cases and 301 deaths due to virus transmission from female mosquitoes Aedes aegypti. At the same time, the population of the city another kind mosquito increased and they begin to irritate with their bites mainly in the area Metropolitan Area of ​​Buenos Aires (AMBA).

View mosquito called Aedes albifasciatus. It has the widest distribution in the country, from the northern provinces to Tierra del Fuego. It is also found in Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Chile.

“albifasciatus” they don’t transmit dengue, zika or chikungunya fever. It is popularly known as “meadow mosquito” ““silent mosquito” or ““flood mosquito”

Since rainfall levels were higher than normal, this huge amount of rain contributes to an increase in the number of bites population mosquitoes Aedes albifasciatus.

Minister of Health of Buenos Aires Fernand Quiros Yesterday at a press conference he noted that on these rainy days mosquitoes continue to be seenbut this is a different species, colloquially called “puddle of mosquitoeswhich is much larger, lumpier, blacker and constantly itchy and gives much more severe hives due to the humidity and conditions we have these days.

In dialogue with Informationbiologist Laura Harburger, researcher in mosquito control at Conicet and the Defense Strategic Research and Development Office (UNIDEF), which depends on Ministry of Defence Argentina, commented: “There is now a new invasion of Aedes albifasciatus at AMBA. There were several of them in the summer due to rain. This is a species of mosquito that can tolerate low temperatures. So even though it has been cold in recent weeks, this species has continued to bite.”

This is believed to be an intrusion into Aedes albifasciautus It should not last more than 7 days. Mosquitoes won’t survive in colder weather, Harburger said..

Females of this mosquito species lay eggs on moist soil in flooded areas. On the other hand, those of Aedes aegypti This is done in artificial containers with water.

Eggs A. albifasciatus then they are found in temporary puddles. When it rains, these puddles fill with water, and then larvae hatch from them. If it rains heavily and in several places, as happened recently, births occur simultaneously in many places, he explained Information recently doctor Sylvia FisherResearcher at the Group for Mosquito Research (GEM) Institute of Ecology, Genetics and Evolutionwhich depends on the Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences UBA and to Conicet.

The two mosquito species bite differently on humans. Those from Aedes albifasciatus They are more “aggressive”. They cause more pain.

According to Dr. Fisher, individuals of this species are more “clumsy.” That’s because “the common source of blood for this species is a variety of wild mammals or livestock, which have thicker skins than humans,” he said.

Can be used to protect against mosquitoes repellents who are authorized National Authority for Medicines, Food and Medical Technology (ANMAT). They are available in the form of sprays, lotions, creams, gels and aerosols. These products may contain active ingredients such as DEET, IR3535 and icaridin. It is necessary to take into account the duration of its effect, which is indicated on the packaging.

Doctor of Biology Romina Barrosofrom the Institute of Biodiversity, Experimental and Applied Biology, which depends on Konise and Faculty of Exact and Natural Sciences of the University of Buenos Aires– he indicated in a dialogue with Information that “mosquito Aedes albifasciatus It is more often found in more open places, such as squares and gardens.”

“If there is difficulty accessing commercial repellents in pharmacies and stores, people should use coils indoors and cover their bodies as much as possible with long pants and long-sleeved shirts that cover their arms,” Barroso recommended.

Are spreading myths on social networks which have no scientific basis. Dr. Barroso explained that “there is no scientific work to prove that vanilla be an effective repellent. I wouldn’t use it. Regarding the burning of packaging cardboard”mapleseggs, there is no scientific evidence either, although I know that there are people who do it. But I don’t recommend doing this because burning can be toxic to people.”