Mosquitoes, which carry dangerous diseases, are causing concern in Lisbon. Find out what precautions you should take

Health experts warn about the need for prevention. Mosquito larvae are commonly found in standing water, trash cans, or gutters. Prevention measures include washing and cleaning drinking fountains and pet bowls once a week, and keeping gutters, downspouts, and gutters clear. It is also recommended to remove containers containing potted plants or turn them upside down to avoid water accumulation. Wells, tanks and other water reservoirs should be covered to prevent mosquitoes from entering. The SRS also states that “swimming pools must be treated and cleaned, covered or emptied.”

The mosquito has already been detected in the north in 2017, in the Algarve in 2018 and in the Alentejo in 2022. It spread throughout southern Europe. The aedes albopictus mosquito originates from the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. Over the past 50 years it has spread to several countries in Central and Southern Europe.

DETAILS

CHIKUNGUNYA MUSCLE PAIN AND HEAT

The chikungunya virus takes up to seven days to appear and causes fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache and joint swelling.

HEADACHE, NAUSEA AND VOMITING Dengue

Dengue fever occurs five days after the bite. It causes fever, headaches and eye pain, nausea, vomiting and swelling.

SKIN RASHE, ZIKA AND CONJUNCTIVITIS

It may appear twelve days after the bite. Symptoms: fever, rash, pain and conjunctivitis.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

What measures should people take to protect themselves from mosquitoes?
Use a mosquito net to keep your windows open if you live in areas close to mosquito breeding areas, such as water containers or trash cans.

And how can authorities fight the virus?
In this particular case, the mosquito “Aedes albopictus” with the use of chemicals should be excreted in the breeding areas of the larvae. These are limited areas that can be identified.

Do mosquitoes die when winter comes?
Mosquito numbers have a seasonal profile, influenced by temperature, light and water availability. Winter is very difficult for mosquitoes. If winter can kill 99.9% of mosquitoes, then we can kill the remaining 0.1%.

Is there a risk of an outbreak like the one that occurred in Madeira in 2012 with 2,200 cases of dengue?
The mosquito is different, in Madeira it was Aedes aegypti. But there have been outbreaks of this mosquito that have affected hundreds of people in Italy.