Asian tiger mosquito

What exactly is the Asian tiger mosquito?

Aedes albopictus is an invasive species of mosquito.

It has 5 characteristic white bands on its hind legs and a long, slender body, which helps to distinguish it from the Culex spp. mosquitos that we are familiar with in Luxembourg. It bites during the day, especially early in the morning, and in the evening, at dusk. It is usually found outside, in vegetation, because it does not like bright sunlight.

Why is it dangerous?

It can carry various infectious diseases, including:

• Dengue fever;
• Chikungunya;
• Zika.

The Asian tiger mosquito can only transmit a disease if it has bitten an infected person. These diseases, which are currently absent from our regions, can be serious and sometimes fatal.

Why are we worried about the presence of the Asian tiger mosquito when the diseases it carries are not present in Luxembourg?

• Although these diseases are currently not present in Luxembourg, their vector mosquito is becoming established.
• If people who have been infected with Dengue fever, Zika or Chikungunya abroad come back ill and are bitten by an Asian tiger mosquito, it could then transmit the virus.
• In the south of France, where the mosquito is established, it transmits viruses every year. In 2022, dozens of cases of Dengue fever were reported in the south of France. The outbreaks were controlled.

What can we do to prevent the Asian tiger mosquito from settling?

Remove potential egg-laying sites that contain stagnant water.

• Remove or empty flowerpots, toys, buckets, old tyres, etc. where water can stagnate.
• Put a net or cover over rainwater tanks.

How can we avoid getting bitten?

Wear loose clothing that covers the body.