The tiger mosquito in Tenerife is rather exceptional, although it has been detected on the island a few times in the past.
Following the presence of the invasive tiger mosquito in the Tenerife Sur airport terminal and with the summer season approaching, the Department of Health is sounding the alarm. The tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a dangerous mosquito species that can transmit tropical diseases.
The General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands Ministry of Health has reactivated the protocol established in the Sistema de Vigilancia Entomológica (Entomological Surveillance System) of the islands after an adult mosquito of the Aedes albopictus species was detected in a mosquito trap installed in the terminal at Tenerife Sur.
Air Travel
This is the first time the presence of invasive mosquitoes linked to air traffic in the archipelago has been detected. The location where the mosquito was caught suggests that this incidental detection is related to the movement of luggage from passengers coming from risk areas where this mosquito is common.
Surveillance
In September 2023, adult mosquitoes and larvae of Aedes albopictus were first found in Tenerife, specifically in the municipality of Tacoronte and later in a residential area in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Shortly thereafter, the surveillance system was activated, and control and fumigation activities were carried out. Almost two months have passed without any dangerous mosquitoes being caught and/or detected.
Obligation to Report
The Ministry of Health urgently repeats the request to report any suspicions or observations of the mosquito to the email address vectores.scs@gobiernodecanarias.org. A photo is desired, and also reporting when a person has been bitten by the tiger mosquito.
In our article TIGER MOSQUITO BITE, we publish a dozen tips to repel the tiger mosquito (and other mosquito species) on the island and to protect oneself against mosquito bites.
More TRIVIA can be read [HERE]
Unkown © Photography
Tiger mosquito on Tenerife ©
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