Researchers from the Católica Medical School published an opinion article about the recent identification of the disease-transmitting Asian tiger mosquito, in Lisbon.
In the paper “Aedes albopictus arrives in Lisbon: an emerging public health threat”, published at Frontiers in Public Health, the authors claim that the recent identification in Lisbon of the invasive mosquito species Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, has raised significant concerns among the scientific community and Public Health authorities. Originating from Southeast Asia, the species is a major vector for several arboviruses, including dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever, and its increasing presence in areas beyond their former distribution map, underscores concerns regarding the potential global expansion of mosquito-borne diseases.
This Opinion article serves as a call to action for the scientific community, Public Health authorities and civil society, emphasizing the constant threat posed by invasive mosquito species and the diseases they carry.