2023-07-09 09:53:00
The invasion of mosquitoes disrupts the daily life of citizens, in particular with the spread of tiger mosquito bites. Health and municipal authorities are called upon to intervene to solve this health problem.
Tiger mosquito bites cause redness and swelling, requiring treatment to avoid complications, especially in diabetic patients and those with other immune diseases.
The period of activity of the tiger mosquito extends from May to November, with an increasing spread in urban areas of many regions, including Tizi Ouzou, Oran, Algiers and Jijel. This mosquito easily adapts to different environments, its eggs can withstand drought for a long time, and it carries viruses such as “chikungunya”, dengue and Zika virus.
The National Institute of Public Health recommends individual and collective mosquito control measures, aimed at protecting individuals and preventing the spread of mosquitoes.
Dr Hamadi Djamila, head of the department of technical support and parasitic diseases at the National Institute of Public Health, advises not to leave stagnant water in and around the house, to empty water containers and to check the proper flow of rainwater and waste water. She also recommends the use of mosquito repellents on the skin, with caution for pregnant women and children, as well as the use of mosquito nets and mosquito repellent dispensers. She also recommends wearing light, loose clothing.
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Treatment of mosquito bites
Dr. Hamadi highlights certain collective measures such as the elimination of stagnant water, the regular management of waste, the pruning of trees and leaves, which provide resting places for mosquitoes. He also recommends rearing mosquitofish (larvae-eating fish) in large garden ponds and water tanks, and using insecticide sprays to reduce mosquito density.
In the event of a mosquito bite causing an allergic reaction due to the injection of saliva, Dr. Hamadi recommends washing the bite area with cold water and soap, applying an ice cube or apple cider vinegar, and to use an antihistamine cream if possible. In case of infected wounds, swelling or severe allergic reactions, it is advisable to consult a doctor for medication to relieve symptoms.
Risks associated with tiger mosquito bites
Biologist Yassine Kechache of the National Institute of Public Health says that the tiger mosquito is an invasive species that has recently appeared in Algeria, with increasing activity since 2015, especially in coastal cities. Its bites cause allergic reactions due to the saliva breaking down red blood cells to aid its absorption and numb the area of the bite.
The tiger mosquito is a vector of several viruses, including Zika, chikungunya and dengue fever. However, there are no reported cases of these viral diseases in Algeria so far. The only threat lies in the inconvenience caused by this mosquito. The Ministry of Health has set up a central committee in collaboration with the Pasteur Institute to monitor insect-borne diseases, study the seasonal dynamics of the tiger mosquito, its density and its resistance.
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So far, the tiger mosquito is not resistant to insecticides, which means that treatments are effective. However, it has a unique characteristic compared to other mosquitoes, its eggs can resist drought and develop when water is once more present.
It recommends strengthening prevention, not only through insecticide spraying campaigns, but also through environmental cleanliness and the elimination of stagnant water in gardens, outdoor spaces and nearby vases, so as not to not give mosquitoes the opportunity to lay their eggs.
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