European health authorities race to curb spreading tiger mosquito populations

European health authorities are working to prevent the spread of tropical diseases as tiger mosquitoes establish themselves across several countries and move northward, Euronews reported. The mosquito species spreads diseases including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. [1]

In September, authorities in Portugal released 30,000 sterile male mosquitoes in their second effort to control the growing tiger mosquito population, according to Euronews. The species was originally found mainly in Southeast Asia before it was introduced to Italy during the 1990s through shipments of used tyres. It has since spread into France and Spain. [1]

The spread of mosquito-borne illnesses follows a record season for West Nile virus across Europe, as FTMQ News reported earlier. European Union countries reported 1,715 locally acquired human cases of West Nile virus, with reported deaths between 130 and 141. That virus also expanded northward into Belgium, the Netherlands, and south-west Germany. [5]

Health officials are asking citizens to assist in efforts to keep the mosquito populations and the diseases they carry from expanding further. [1]