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The Normandy Regional Health Agency announced that it had discovered the presence of the tiger mosquito in the region, which was the last one spared so far.
It’s done ! The tiger mosquito no longer spares any region of France. In a press release published on March 19, the Normandy Regional Health Agency revealed that it had detected a presence of the insect in the Seine-Maritime department, confirming its presence in Normandy, the only region so far preserved.
Implementation of required surveillance
Native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) has adapted to various environments and accelerated its progress on the national territory in recent years. However, its presence can be problematic: this species of mosquito is a potential vector of viruses such as dengue, Zika or chikungunya, even if “no local transmission of disease linked to this mosquito has been observed in Normandy“warns the ARS.
The Regional Health Agency is thus responsible for implementing vector control provisions in the territory with regard to of Aedes albopictus. “This fight is based on active surveillance, thanks to a network of traps, and passive surveillance based on the analysis of citizen reports. indicates the press release.
In addition to entomological surveillance, there is that of human cases of dengue, chikungunya or zika, which are notifiable diseases.
As a reminder, the tiger mosquito is recognizable by
- Its small size of 5 mm;
- Its very contrasting color (it has black and white stripes on its body and legs);
- Its white line from the head to the implantation of the wings;
- Living and biting especially during the day, outdoors.
Avoiding the tiger mosquito, instructions for use
The ARS reminds us of good reflexes in the face of this proliferation. Since the species can reproduce even in a cork filled with water, the agency advises removing all places and objects that may contain stagnant water.
“If the containers cannot be emptied, access to water must be eliminated by, for example, installing mosquito nets on rainwater tanks, sand in flower bowls, cleaning the gutters as well as the evacuation manholes. These practices are essential to avoid or slow down the development of this insect.
If you think you have identified a tiger mosquito, report its presence on the dedicated national website: https://signalement-moustique.anses.fr
Finally, if you are traveling to an area where cases of dengue, zika or chikungunya have been reported, the agency reminds:
- Protect yourself from bites (repellents, long clothing, mosquito net, etc.) during your trip;
- Consult a doctor in the event of suggestive symptoms such as joint/muscle pain, headache, rash with or without fever, conjunctivitis appearing 10 days after the date of your return.
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