Given the finding of the mosquito Aedes Albopictus (aka Tiger mosquito) in Yucatan, by the State Ministry of Health  (SSY) in coordination with the Collaborative Unit for Entomological Bioassays (UCBE) of UADY, experts from this unit said there is no reason for the population to be alarmed and that prevention measures will be reinforced to prevent their proliferation.

Hazard associated with Tiger mosquito species

Invasive species/global dispersion

Aedes albopictus has undergone a dramatic global expansion facilitated by human activities, in particular the movement of used tyres and ‘lucky bamboo’. Together with passive transit via public and private transport, this has resulted in a widespread global distribution of Ae. albopictus. It is now listed as one of the top 100 invasive species by the Invasive Species Specialist Group.

Ecological plasticity

The success of the invasion of Ae. albopictus is due to a number of factors including: its ecological plasticity, strong competitive aptitude, globalization i.e. increase of trade and travel, lack of surveillance, and lack of efficient control.

Climate change predictions suggest Ae. albopictus will continue to be a successful invasive species that will spread beyond its current geographical boundaries. This mosquito is already showing signs of adaptation to colder climates which may result in disease transmission in new areas.

Biting and disease risk

Aedes albopictus feeds on a wide range of hosts. It is also known to be a significant biting nuisance, with the potential to become a serious health threat as a bridge vector of zoonotic pathogens to humans. This mosquito species is a known vector of chikungunya virus, dengue virus and dirofilariasis.

A number of other viruses affecting human health have also been isolated from field-collected Ae. albopictus in different countries. Moreover, its recent involvement in the localised transmission of chikungunya virus in countries such as Italy and France; dengue virus in France and Croatia, highlights the importance of monitoring this invasive species.

Tiger mosquito detected in Kanasin, Yucatán

The State Officer from the Health Department, and responsible of the Vector Program, Jorge Alfredo Palacio Vargas, explained that the mosquito is an invasive species, in this case Kanasín is an area that has several factors that favor its proliferation.

“While it is a new species for the state, preventive measures such as the use of repellent and keeping our backyards clean, are the same. Besides, the Secretary of Health will increase fumigation in risk areas, “he said.

The biologist of the SSY recalled that in Yucatan there is a presence of the species of Aedes aegypti, Culex (common mosquito), Aedes taeniorhynchus (black or beach mosquito) and now, Aedes albopictus (Tiger Mosquito).

TYT Newsroom with information from

• Sipse
• https://ecdc.europa.eu/