Chikungunya, a mosquito that adapts to the Mediterranean climate

Chikungunya, a mosquito that adapts to the Mediterranean climate

The chikungunya virus that struck Reunion Island in 2005, did not remain confined to tropical regions. The mosquito that transmits this virus has also adapted to the Mediterranean climate. It already proliferates in Languedoc-Roussillon, and particularly in Hérault. It did not happen because of global warming, but by globalization via international trade in tyres exactly. Eggs were lodged in small water tanks inside the tires. The mosquito arrived in Italy in 1990, then recovered in oil stain and entered France through the border. 15 cases of Chikungunya were reported in 2011 in the PACA region. A team of researchers based in Montpellier is currently monitoring its development. At the same time, entomologists inspect the vicinity of the case, destroy mosquito roosts, and spray insecticides against larval and adult stages. They inform the inhabitants of the area on how to empty the water tanks to limit the densities of the tiger mosquito and the appearance of secondary cases (or outbreaks). The good thing is to drain the small water containers collected at home very regularly (winter and summer). The tiger mosquito has already been spotted in all departments of the region and especially in Herault. To protect yourself, you should know that the female Albopictus stings especially at the beginning and end of the day.

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File : Tropical diseases in Europe

Publication date : 11 January 2012