Tropical disease alert: Aedes albopictus invades Portugal
Portuguese medical services warn about Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which have appeared in popular tourist regions, transmitting dangerous tropical diseases.
In Portugal, popular tourist areas have seen the emergence of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, known carriers of hazardous tropical diseases. The Portuguese Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (IHMT) has reported sightings of these insects in several regions over recent weeks.
Scientists from IHMT highlight that dengue is the most dangerous disease transmitted by Aedes albopictus. It is characterised by fever, rash, and pain in the head, joints, and muscles, and in severe cases, it can be fatal. These mosquitoes are most prevalent in the Lisbon area and the Algarve.
Portuguese television channel SIC warns that in cities such as Lisbon and Faro, the risk of dengue infection is at its highest. Authorities in the Lisbon district of São Domingos de Benfica, in partnership with Portuguese medical services, have confirmed this threat.
The Lisbon authorities are urging residents to take preventive measures. They recommend removing containers with water from open spaces, as well as using repellents and mosquito nets. These precautions can help limit the spread of mosquitoes and reduce the risk of infection.
This could increasingly become a problem
Experts are certain that we will also face challenges posed by mosquitoes transmitting tropical diseases. In October this year, the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate confirmed an infection with the West Nile fever virus. It involved a person who had not travelled abroad, and researchers believe the infection occurred after a mosquito bite from an insect that had previously fed on the blood of a bird infected with the virus.
Unfortunately, with ongoing climate change, we must be prepared for the potential occurrence of tropical diseases in our country, such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile fever. Specialists are thus appealing for the strengthening of the health protection system and biomonitoring efforts, which will enable us to tackle this looming threat.
