Yesterday, the Department of Health in the Canary Islands initiated the established protocol of the Entomological Surveillance System following the finding of Aedes albopictus (tiger mosquito) specimens in various growth stages within two containers from Castellón at the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
The Port Inspection Centre (CIP) management directly contacted the University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands at the University of La Laguna last Thursday. They reported the discovery made during an inspection where the technical plant health team identified flying mosquitoes in two containers containing large olive trees. Water puddles were also found inside the trunks’ cavities. Upon arrival at the location, university personnel confirmed a high density of mosquito immature phases (larvae and pupae) in different development stages inside the cavities. Laboratory analysis confirmed these as Aedes albopictus. To ensure safety, the containers and their contents underwent chemical control (fumigation) as a preventive measure.
The Surveillance and Public Health System team, led by the General Directorate of Public Health in collaboration with the University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands, increased trap placement at various high-risk points, including the areas of detection and neighbouring zones. The General Directorate of Public Health in SCS informed the port authorities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, as well as the City Council of Santa Cruz, to implement the required measures.
Intensified sampling in the region aims to identify and eliminate potential breeding sites. Continuous surveillance efforts have been ongoing in recent months, with increased trap numbers and sampling frequency in response to several Aedes mosquito sightings in the port area.
The Canary Islands are urging the State to enhance control measures on vessels arriving from regions where tiger mosquitoes are prevalent. It has been confirmed that one method of invasive mosquito entry is the trade of plants originating from high-risk regions along the Levantine and Andalusian coasts.
Since January 2023, Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes have periodically been detected in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife in February, March, and May 2023 (cruise ships), with one Aedes albopictus specimen identified last November, also associated with container ship and roll-on/roll-off traffic. Aedes aegypti presence was noted in the port of Las Palmas during November 2023 and January 2024.
Aedes mosquitoes are distinguishable by their smaller size, darker colour, silver bands on their bodies, white-striped legs, and the absence of the common mosquito’s buzzing sound.
