The Institute of Tropical Diseases of the ULL collaborates in a new detection of 'tiger mosquito' in Fuerteventura

The Ministry of Health, through the General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Islands Health Service, has reactivated the protocol established in the Entomological Surveillance System of the islands after detecting several adult specimens of the species Aedes albopictus in a house in Las Casitas, in the municipality of Tuineje. Again, the Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, attached to the University of La Laguna, will collaborate in its detection and control.

The Entomological Surveillance System protocol was activated yesterday, October 1st, after a resident of the area reported a specimen captured in a home in Tuineje with a photograph. An initial inspection of the home revealed several adult specimens of this species; however, no further adults, eggs, or larvae were detected either in the home or in the surrounding area. The collected specimens have been morphologically identified as belonging to the species. Aedes albopictus, after its analysis at the Medical Entomology Laboratory of the University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands.

Following confirmation of the presence of this vector, the surveillance technicians placed a Bg trap and several ovitraps at the affected residence, as per the established protocol for these cases. Since the detection, the specific protocol for these events has been activated, with the participation of the Fuerteventura Health Area Directorate, staff from the university laboratory, and the local council.

Healthcare professionals within the network were also informed about the risks involved in patient care and how to report information about the vector and its bite. They also received specific training for the early recognition of symptoms of associated vector-borne diseases. Residents of the neighborhood were also informed of the importance of reporting the presence of mosquitoes and breeding sites in their homes and gardens, as well as any bites that may occur.

Since 2013, the Canary Islands have had an Entomological Surveillance System, coordinated by the General Directorate of Public Health in collaboration with the University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands of the University of La Laguna, with the aim of detecting early the possible appearance of invasive mosquitoes.