What is the tiger mosquito and in which areas of Spain is it found?

He tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus), found in Spain, is a transmitter potential more than 20 infectious diseases. According to a report published by the Carlos III Institute of Health in Madrid (ISCIII), the most notable due to their danger are dengue fever, Zika, yellow fever and chikungunya.

It is recognized by its physical characteristics. It is a mosquito that has White stripes on the head, body and legs, and in an adult mosquito the size can range from 2 to 10 mm.

This tiger mosquito was first discovered in Spain in 2004, specifically in Catalonia during the summer months.

Since then, it has only expanded throughout the country. It is found primarily in the Mediterranean and southern coastal areas, as well as inland areas and some areas in the north of the country.

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In fact, the Generalitat of Valencia, on its website specifically dedicated to protection against the bites of this tiger mosquito, classifies it as “big little nightmare” and “invader” in Spain.

According to the environmental magazine National Geographic, this insect has already been found in more than 40 Spanish provincesfrom the coastal areas of the Mediterranean to the north and west of the country.

According to ISCIII Madrid, some recommendations to prevent its presence are to empty or cover containers that constantly contain or accumulate water, avoid the accumulation of water in drainage areas or areas prone to flooding, cover wells and cisterns or consider the use of nets. mosquito nets in areas where water accumulates.

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21% of tiger mosquitoes detected in Spain over the last decade were created by citizens.

There is a mobile app that will alert you to the presence of this mosquito. The program is called “Mosquito Alert” and thanks to it, since 2014, up to 21% of tiger mosquito detections in Spain were due to citizens.

As published by the Ministry of Health, it is important for citizens to download and use Mosquito Alert for surveillance and early detection of disease-carrying mosquitoes such as the tiger mosquito.

Sources

Madrid Institute of Health Carlos III (ISCIII)

Generalitat of Catalonia

‘National Geography’

Ministry of Health