- Tiger mosquitoes have been detected on Minorca and Mallorca
- The insects are capable of spreading the deadly Dengue fever
- They can also carry the Zika virus
Britons heading for Mallorca and Minorca have been warned about a new breed of mosquito which can carry the deadly Zika virus, dengue fever and other diseases.
Tiger mosquitos have been detected on both islands and preventative measures including spraying insecticide from helicopters, are being undertaken by authorities.
The mosquito is native to Asia and is endemic in many parts of the world, closely associates with humans rather than living mostly in wetlands and flies and feeds all day, not just in the early morning and at night.
It has a distinctive black and white striped appearance and is smaller than the more common types of mosquito, but is more aggressive.
Scientists studying aedes albopictus, as it is known have found it is a vector for the transmission of yellow fever and dengue fever, and can carry the zika virus, so is potentially able to infect humans.
The Tiger mosquito’s bite is a lot more painful than that of the native European mosquito and can cause severe swelling, scarring, and in some cases infection that may need a visit to the doctor.
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The female mosquito that bites and can be identified by her elongated body.
Blood sucked from both animals and humans (their preferred prey) is then used in the production of eggs.
The tiger mosquitoes appear to be spreading across the Balearics, according to the Mallorca Daily Bulletin.
Mallorca has already taken action in Palma but now in neighbouring Minorca, Ciutadella Town Hall today warned of the presence of the tiger mosquito in the municipality, and has publicised advice to prevent the spread.
The public are reminded to clean, empty, dry and renew the water in all containers, including pet bowls, drinking fountains or swimming pools, because the insect breeds in the water, especially between the months of April and October.
For water containers that cannot easily be emptied, such as fountains or swimming pools, periodic chlorination or treatment with larvicides is recommended.
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There were cases of dengue fever in Ibiza in 2022 the first reported locally-acquired cases were reported.
‘The risk is very present in the Balearics and we must consider it very seriously,’ said the local authority in Minorca, pointing residents to a mobile phone app, ‘Mosquito Alert’, which gives a series of guidelines to prevent the tiger mosquito.
Three weeks ago Palma city council took to the air to tackle tiger mosquito larvae or eggs detected in some parts of the city.
The raid centred around wetlands within the city which make ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Using specially-equipped helicopters more than 40 hectares of wetland were sprayed.
Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
