The Tiger Mosquito is spreading in the Haute-Loire region, according to a recent alert from the regional health agency (ARS). In 2023, seven municipalities, including Brioude, Sainte-Florine, and Langeac, have been affected by the colonies of this mosquito.
Over the past twelve years, the Tiger Mosquito has established itself comfortably in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The ARS stated that only the departments of Allier and Haute-Loire have been less impacted, with occasional detections of presence. However, in 2022, several municipalities in Haute-Loire were officially colonized, and by 2023, the number increased to seven, with the Tiger Mosquito colonizing areas like Puy-en-Velay, Langeac, Aurec-sur-Loire, Brioude, and Sainte-Florine.
The ARS is monitoring the proliferation of the Tiger Mosquito through reports from individuals and egg-laying traps. By 2024, 19 municipalities in Haute-Loire will have these traps to detect the presence of the mosquito. The agency relies on these reports to identify colonized areas and takes monthly action to assess the mosquito’s presence.
The main focus of the ARS is on preventing the transmission of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika, which can be carried by the Tiger Mosquito. In 2023, 13 cases of dengue were reported in Haute-Loire, likely imported from tropical areas like the Caribbean. The agency is vigilant about travelers returning from these regions, as a person with a disease can be infected by a mosquito and transmit it to others.
In the collective fight against the Tiger Mosquito, communication and prevention are key strategies. Educating the public and local authorities on reducing larval habitats is effective in controlling the mosquito population. It is important to recognize the Tiger Mosquito and eliminate potential breeding sites like stagnant water containers, wheelbarrows, or outdoor toys.
To aid in monitoring the Tiger Mosquito, individuals can report sightings on dedicated websites and even send specimens for identification. This data helps in analyzing reports from non-colonized areas and may lead to entomological investigations. Additionally, requesting expertise from mosquito control agencies can provide guidance on preventing mosquito breeding in homes.
Currently, Haute-Loire is focusing on prevention measures against the Tiger Mosquito, avoiding insecticide treatments to protect other insects and prevent resistance. Such treatments are reserved for preventing epidemic risks around areas with infected individuals and mosquito populations. The emphasis remains on reducing larval habitats to limit the mosquito’s proliferation.
In conclusion, the urgent action is needed to combat the spread of the Tiger Mosquito in Haute-Loire, emphasizing public awareness, prevention, and surveillance efforts to control the mosquito population and prevent disease transmission. It is crucial for everyone to play a role in this collective fight against the Tiger Mosquito to safeguard public health and well-being.