The tiger mosquito, from its scientific name aedes albopictus, is all black, with striped legs, with a white line on the thorax
, describes Anna-Bella Failloux, head ofArbovirus and insect vector unit of the Institut Pasteur. Less than a centimeter and yet capable of a sacred sound boost: The sound of the wings is linked to their vibration which allows the recognition of the opposite sex.
Moreover, at random from this nuptial dance, the man can only be bitten by a female since the males prefer nectar and sweet juice rather than blood.
L’aedes albopictus is often confused withAedes is Egyptian, another species mainly present in tropical environments and not yet listed in France. On the other hand, theAedes is Egyptian is present in certain overseas territories, in the Antilles and the Indian Ocean.
Where is it growing?
The tiger mosquito is a frequent traveler and mocks borders
, notes the researcher. Coming from Southeast Asia, this invasive species has been permanently established in France since the 2000s, taking advantage of the globalized exchange of goods and people. In France, it is found today in sixty departments. In the West, it has been identified in certain departments of Pays de la Loire.
The anthropophilic insect (that is to say that it loves us very much) is particularly pleasant in urban areas, where it loves wet habitats such as pots, vases, containers, gutters, used tires to lay their eggs. eggs… It bites us during the day, which is why the National Health Security Agency (ANSES) offers effective protection, the wearing of loose clothing and skin repellents. And, obviously, the cleaning and destruction of all these dens of stagnant water, privileged hosts of the larval breeding places.
What health risks ?
L’aedes albopictus and theAedes is Egyptian are both vectors of infectious diseases, arboviruses, such as dengue, chikungunya or zika. The tiger mosquito can transmit up to twenty-five viruses, says Anna-Bella Failloux. E t a single bite can lead to co-infection.
For dengue fever, Santé Publique France established, during its last surveillance report, twenty-six imported cases between the end of May and the end of June. That is to say that the infected people were outside of mainland France, but already, in previous years, indigenous cases have been noted. Dengue is not just a gripette. Even if 80% of dengue cases are asymptomatic
, symptoms like high fever, body aches, joint pain and headache should alert. It can present severe complications. Several deaths are observed each year, especially in the overseas territories.
What protections?
A serological test, therefore a blood test, or a PCR analysis can detect the virus. On the other hand, no vaccine therefore the means of vector control mainly rests on the prevention. To fight against the tiger mosquito, ANSES launched a reporting site so that each citizen can help with the census on signalement-moustique.anses.fr
Find the tiger mosquito presence card in the French departments on the site solidarite-sante.gouv.fr
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