Established for many years in ultra-marine territories, especially on the island of Reunion, where it is the vector of the last epidemics of dengue and chickungunya, the tiger mosquito has spread to the metropolis and is spreading there ” significantly and continuously since 2004, “noted the regional health agency (ARS). According to agency specialists, he is now “present” in fifty-eight departments, including Nièvre “since 2018”.
The ability of the tiger mosquito to transmit serious diseases, the zika virus for example, makes it “a priority surveillance target for health authorities and their partners during its period of activity in mainland France, from May 1 to November 30”.
The Nièvre prefecture is trying to trap the tiger mosquito
How to recognize the tiger mosquito? “Aedes albopictus is small, less than 1 cm across,” says ARS. “It is black, with white spots on the body and legs. He has a white line on the chest and a stitching device. ” An online reporting portal can identify it … and report it.
To avoid its implantation, it is necessary to remove the small stagnant water reservoirs, where it develops as a larva. The ARS therefore recommends:
- “Empty, once a week, the cups and saucers under flowerpots, animal bowls, folds of tarpaulins, buckets, parasol feet, etc.” ;
- cover water collectors;
- keep toys, wheelbarrows, buckets, watering cans, etc. away from the rain. ;
- maintain gutters, gutters and channels;
- discard waste and used tires;
- to create a balance in the ornamental pools, because the fish eat the mosquito larvae ”.
Any case of dengue, chikungunya or zika should be reported
The ARS also has a recommendation for healthcare professionals: “Currently, dengue fever is epidemic in all the overseas departments. Any suspicion of a diagnosis of dengue fever, chikungunya or infection with the zika virus must be subject to biological confirmation ”.
Each confirmed case must then be declared to the ARS.
Bertrand Yvernault
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