The dengue, a viral disease transmitted by the tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus, is beginning to establish itself in Europe, with a significant increase in indigenous cases. This mosquito, originating in tropical and subtropical regions, has found a niche in urban and peri-urban areas, thus facilitating the spread of dengue. According to experts from Rentokil Initial, proper coordination between authorities and health services is essential to implement a rapid and effective intervention against infections.
In 2022, Europe recorded nearly 300 cases of indigenous dengue, with Italy, France, and Spain being the most affected countries. In the case of Spain, up to 8 indigenous cases were reported, more than double the number recorded the previous year. This distinction between indigenous and imported dengue is crucial; imported cases are usually travelers who become infected in nations where the disease is endemic, such as Brazil or the Philippines, while indigenous cases occur when a mosquito bites an already infected person, facilitating the spread of the virus.
Rubén Bueno Marí, an entomologist and director of Rentokil Initial’s European vector control center, pointed out that a control protocol is activated within less than 24 hours of any reported infection. This protocol includes the use of traps to detect mosquitoes within a radius of 200 meters around the infected person’s home, and is maintained for several days until the absence of new cases is confirmed.
Another public health threat in Spain is the West Nile virus, which reported over a hundred cases last year, resulting in several deaths. Unlike dengue, this virus is primarily spread by mosquitoes of the Culex genus, which are endemic to wetlands. The intervention to contain this virus covers a radius of about a kilometer, requiring a broader control approach.
Experts are adopting innovative techniques to combat these diseases, including the use of drones to control the population of Culex mosquitoes, as well as the sterile mosquito technique. The latter involves releasing sterilized males that mate with wild females, preventing their offspring from hatching. This strategy does not aim to eliminate mosquitoes, as they play an important role in ecosystems, but focuses on sustainably controlling their populations.
In conclusion, both prevention and early identification of infection sources are vital to managing dengue and other vector-borne diseases. The future of pest control seems to lie in innovation and specialized training, minimizing dependence on insecticides that can lead to resistance in pests.
Referrer: MiMub in Spanish