ith global warming, the tiger mosquito is proliferating in France. In addition to the unpleasant bites and itching it causes, this mosquito can also transmit diseases such as dengue, chikungunya or Zika. Faced with this scourge, what are the right actions to take to protect yourself? Dermatologist Émilie gives us her expert advice.
THE TIGER MOSQUITO, A FORMIDABLE INVADER
Recognizable by its black and white stripes, the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) is smaller than a classic mosquito. But it is no less harmful, quite the contrary!
- It bites all day long, not just at dawn and dusk like other mosquitoes. It’s hard to escape him!
- It is super fast and runs away immediately after stinging. You don’t have time to see it coming or crush it.
- Each bite from a female tiger mosquito can give birth to 100 new mosquitoes the following week!
- It does not need large bodies of water to reproduce. The smallest puddle, a flower pot, a cork are enough.
- He loves the city where, in the absence of predators, he proliferates at high speed.
In short, the tiger mosquito is a tough invader! Especially since beyond the inconvenience, it represents a real health risk.
DENGUE, CHIKUNGUNYA, ZIKA… DISEASES TRANSMITTED BY THE TIGER MOSQUITO
The tiger mosquito can in fact be a vector of several viruses from the arbovirus family:
- Dengue fever, which causes high fever, joint and muscle pain, headaches
- Chikungunya, with symptoms similar to dengue with more intense joint pain
- Zika virus, often asymptomatic but can cause neurological complications
If a mosquito bites a person infected with one of these viruses, it can then transmit it to all the people it bites after, for 1 month (its average lifespan). A formidable mode of propagation, which is worrying given the proliferation of the insect.
Because if these diseases are currently endemic to tropical regions, we are seeing more and more indigenous cases in France, that is to say contaminations occurring on our territory, via tiger mosquito bites.
GOOD ANTI-MOSQUITO ACTIONS FROM DERMATOLOGIST ÉMILIE
Faced with this risk, Émilie recommends a fight at all stages of mosquito development:
- Eliminate breeding grounds . Empty all stagnant water (saucers, buckets, gutters, etc.), cover water containers (swimming pools, ponds) with mosquito nets. Mosquito larvae develop there!
- Maintain your garden . Collect dead leaves, avoid piles of objects… Adult mosquitoes hide there.
- Place mosquito nets on all openings (windows, doors) to prevent mosquitoes from entering. Also sleep under mosquito nets.
- Wear long, loose , light-colored clothing that bothers the mosquito. You can even impregnate them with repellent.
- Apply repellents to exposed areas of skin (face, arms). To be chosen in pharmacies for their effectiveness and safety.
- Encourage natural predators of tiger mosquitoes: birds, bats, frogs, etc. By installing suitable nest boxes.
- Support your town hall if it invests in traps or releases of sterile males, to limit proliferation.
Simple but effective actions to apply every day for a summer without bites… or viruses!
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET STUNG DESPITE EVERYTHING?
Despite all these precautions, it is difficult to completely avoid being bitten. If this happens to you, Émilie recommends:
- Above all, do not scratch, so as not to aggravate the inflammation or risk superinfection.
- Immediately apply cold (ice cube, gel pack, etc.) to the bite for 15 minutes, to limit swelling
- If necessary, use a soothing cortisone cream or an oral antihistamine in case of severe itching
- To disinfect the wound if you scratched against your will, to prevent it from becoming infected
- To monitor the appearance of unusual symptoms in the following days (high fever, body aches, etc.) and consult if necessary. This may be a sign of a transmitted disease.
Now you’re ready to stop getting bitten… or transmitting viruses! One more little gesture: share these tips with your loved ones. Because it’s together, by acting together, that we will slow the proliferation of this pest. For a zen summer, without mosquitoes and in full health!
Also Read: Do you know what kills more than tobacco or poor diet?
OUR ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT TIGER MOSQUITOES AND BITES
Do some people really attract more mosquitoes?
Yes, mosquitoes are attracted to certain body odors, breathing (CO2) and body heat. Blood type, alcohol consumption or certain foods (banana, vitamin B) also make them more attractive. But these factors remain individual and difficult to control.
Are natural remedies based on essential oils effective?
Many recipes circulate on the internet, but none are medically validated. Not only is their effectiveness not proven, but they may also contain irritating or allergenic products that can burn the skin. It is better to use tested and approved repellents, sold in pharmacies, for prevention.
When to worry after a tiger mosquito bite?
If in the days following the bite, you develop a high fever (>38.5°C), intense aches, headaches, pain behind the eyes… These may be symptoms of one of the transmitted diseases (dengue, chikungunya, Zika). Consult a doctor quickly, especially if you are returning from a tropical risk area. Early treatment limits complications.
