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Fuerteventura: health chefs step up action against Aedes aegypti

Health officials have been meeting with residents of Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands, following the discovery of the Aedes aegypti mosquito on the island and relaying preventative advice and recommendations.Mappa-Canarie

Instructions have also been given on the measures they can take in their houses to protect themselves and avoid the presence of this invasive mosquito.

The General Directorate of Public Health, the health department of Fuerteventura and the University Institute of Tropical deseases and Public health, as well as the Ministry of environment of the Government of the Canary Islands, are working in coordination following the detection of the mosquito to delimit the exact area in which the invasive species Aedes aegypti has been intorduced, in order to determine the exent that should be treated to eradicate it, with the collaboration of the Cabildo and the council of Puerto del Rosario” said a spokesman.Original Title: AA_0099sRGB.tif

Inspections have taken place in and outside houses in the area where the mosquito was found and some of the properties treated with special disinfectant whilst ensuring safety for residents.

This was necessitating vacanting premises for 12 hours and residents have been thanked for their co-operation and patience.

Recommendations in houses include keeping any areas of water clean and regularly changed, keeping drains dry and spotless, checking plans for eggs and even making sure toilet cisterns are pulled at least once every 24 hours. Even cars have to be sprayed.

The importance of citizens partecipation is also being stressed and if anyone spots what they think is one of the mosquitos, they are being urged to send details and even photos to the health department or through the app Mosquito Alert mobile app.Aedes_aegypti_during_blood_meal

They can also send photos of stings that they consider suspicious because of the strong inflammatory reaction accompanied by great stinging.

Whenever photos of specimen or suspicious bites are sent, it is essential to clearly indicate the geographical area where the mosquito was detected or the suspicious bite occurred.

Source: Tenerife News