Santa Cruz de Tenerife 10 Mar. (Europa Press) –
The Canary Islands Government’s Ministry of Health has announced on Monday the conclusion and eradication of the Aedes Albopictus mosquito in Tacoronte, following 18 months since the last sighting in a greenhouse within the municipality and after extensive entomological surveillance efforts.
The Regional Department states that since 2013, the Canary Islands have implemented an entomological surveillance system, coordinated by the General Directorate of Public Health in partnership with the University Institute of Tropical and Public Health of the Canary Islands at the University of La Laguna (ULL), aimed at the early detection of potential invasive mosquito species.
Furthermore, on September 1, 2023, the Ministry reported that the Canary Islands’ Autonomic Surveillance System identified three adult mosquitoes in a Tacoronte greenhouse, confirmed to belong to the Aedes Albopictus species, as noted in a statement.
Following this discovery, the specific protocol was initiated, involving specialists from the University Institute of Tropical and Public Health of the ULL alongside the local council.
At that juncture, comprehensive entomological surveillance measures were undertaken, which included the installation of traps in strategic locations across the municipality, as well as at ports and airports within the archipelago. A biting surveillance programme was also implemented in all health centres and pharmacies across the island.
The Ministry highlighted that health professionals in the care network were informed about the risks to consider when attending to the public and how to report data concerning the mosquito vector and its bites. Additionally, specific training was provided to facilitate the early identification of symptoms linked to vector-associated diseases.
Moreover, residents of the municipality were informed about the importance of reporting any sightings of mosquitoes and breeding sites in their homes and gardens, as well as bites that might occur.
The Ministry assures that these efforts have persisted throughout the 18 continuous months since the mosquito’s detection, ensuring there are currently no vectors present in the area. With the end of the alert period, the number of ovitraps in the nursery has been reduced, and the frequency of trap inspections will shift to once every ten days.
Community Involvement
The Regional Department reminded citizens that if they suspect any sightings, they can send photos of potential Aedes mosquitoes or images of significant inflammatory reactions to bites to the email address vectors.scs@gobiernodecanarias.org, including the geographical location and a contact number.
In this regard, the importance of maintaining and bolstering entomological surveillance, along with vector control activities involving all sectors, including citizens, has been emphasised to prevent further introductions.
In previous years, episodes of detection and eradication of Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes were declared in the islands of Fuerteventura and La Palma in 2019 and 2023, respectively.
Additionally, instances of Aedes Albopictus specimens were detected at Tenerifesur Airport and Aedes Aegypti at the port and in the La Vuelta de los Pájaros neighbourhood in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, as well as at the Santa Catalina dock and Piletas neighbourhood in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.
Measures to Prevent the Spread of Aedes Species
The General Directorate of Public Health has emphasised the crucial role of entomological surveillance as a primary strategy to prevent the introduction of invasive species to the archipelago, as well as to avoid the establishment of such species once detected at any entry point.
The first measure focuses on controlling and eliminating any accumulation of water, as even small amounts, such as those in a bottle cap, can serve as breeding sites.
To achieve this, the following is recommended:
* Place sand in plant pots. This method helps to irrigate the pots while preventing standing water where female mosquitoes can lay their eggs. If sand is not used, pots should be emptied and cleaned weekly to stop the development of any eggs laid by females into adults.
* Avoid planting directly in water (e.g., potos, bamboo, money plants, etc.) and instead transfer them to soil. Change the water in vases daily.
* In outdoor areas (gardens, patios, roofs, terraces, balconies, etc.), ensure that empty pots, bottles, buckets, shower trays, and any other containers that could collect rain or irrigation water are properly stored.
* Prevent water stagnation in gardens, roofs, balconies, or terraces either after watering or rainfall. Maintain cleanliness in these areas and remove any debris from pruning that might trap water.
* Daily, clean and refresh drinking water for animals.
* Water storage containers should be securely covered to prevent mosquitoes from entering, as well as containers used for collecting rainwater.
* Pools must remain adequately chlorinated and have daily water circulation. Leaving them partially empty poses a significant risk for mosquito proliferation.
* Clean the drip trays of external refrigerators and air conditioning units where water can accumulate, including those of portable equipment.
* Keep outdoor drains clean and ensure there is no stagnant water in any sections.
