The Xunta confirms the presence of tiger mosquito in Vigo

  • The Galician Network for Surveillance of Vector-Borne Diseases confirms the presence of the insect in the city of Vigo
  • Health authorities clarify that, as of today, there is no link between the insects and any diseases .
  • The technical committee for the tiger mosquito expresses gratitude for citizen collaboration through the Mosquito Alert mobile application

Press Release from the Xunta de Galicia – Santiago de Compostela, August 18, 2023

The Galician Network for Surveillance of Vector-Borne Diseases (ReGaViVec) confirms the detection of two specimens of the tiger mosquito in the Municipality of Vigo, specifically in the Lavadores parish. A citizen report through the Mosquito Alert mobile application allowed their identification by entomology specialists. Citizien participation is higly appreciated by by the tiger mosquito’s technical committee

Rede, composed of the  Health and Rural Development Xunta Department and the Universities of Santiago de Compostela and Vigo, intensified surveillance of the insect by installing new traps. These new traps will complement the ones that ReGaViVec had already placed in strategic locations in the city of Vigo prior to the first detection of the tiger mosquito in Galicia. In fact, the Directorate-General for Public Health has already acquired new traps for distribution, aiming to locate larvae in order to prevent the spread of the Aedes albopictus mosquito.

Health authorities clarify that none of the specimens identified in Moaña or Vigo are linked to diseases transmissible to humans. Furthermore, during the latest meeting of the tiger mosquito’s technical committee, the health area of Vigo confirmed that there was no significant increase in the number of insect bites treated in health centers in the Morrazo region.

Advice for the Public

To continue scientific collaboration and have entomology specialists confirm the presence or absence of more tiger mosquito specimens,  downloading the Mosquito Alert mobile application is encouraged. Through this app, individuals can send photographs for researchers to study.

As for preventing mosquito bites, it is advised to use specific repellents listed among products approved by the Ministry of Health and the Spanish Medicine Agency. Additionally, wearing long sleeves, pants, closed-toe shoes, or installing mosquito nets on doors and windows can help. Bites may cause allergic reactions of varying severity.

In terms of preventing the proliferation of the Aedes albopictus mosquito, the most effective way is to prevent egg-laying and larvae growth. Thus, stagnant water sources like pet bowls, trays under flower pots, outdoor containers, or boats should be emptied or water should be replaced every 4-5 days.

Link to the press release, here.