Tiger mosquito (image source: Wikipedia)
About a week ago it was reported that invasive tiger mosquitoes had been spotted for the first time ever in the island of La Gomera and that some people had been bitten several times.
The tiger mosquito Aedes Albopictusis is of Asian origin and in recent years has been found in other Canary Islands as well as in several European countries. It is smaller than most other mosquitoes but more dangerous, as it can transmit several serious diseases, e.g. the zika virus as well as yellow, dengue and chikungunya fevers, etc., and is known for its close socialisation with humans.
The tiger mosquitoes were encountered in an agricultural area in Valle Gran Rey close to the mouth of the barranco (usually dry riverbed) near the sea and the area damaged by the floods caused by storm Therese this spring.
Experts from the institute for tropical diseases and public health of the university of La Laguna have visited the area and there have been several meetings of all relevant authorities. The area is being cleaned up, stagnant water accumulations which these insects need for breeding are being removed, insecticide is being sprayed and traps are installed. It is assumed by the scientists that this is an isolated occurrence of this insect due to the introduction of material to La Gomera infested with larvae or eggs.
The public is being called upon to be vigilant and immediately report any sightings of tiger mosquitoes and to take photos if possible. Images and reports should be sent by email to:
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