Abstract
The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is an invasive mosquito originating from the Asia-Pacific region. This species is of major concern to public and veterinary health because of its vector role in the transmission of several pathogens, such as chikungunya, dengue, and Zika viruses. In Portugal, a National Vector Surveillance Network (REde de VIgilância de VEctores—REVIVE) is responsible for the surveillance of autochthonous, but also invasive, mosquito species at points of entry, such as airports, ports, storage areas, and specific border regions with Spain. At these locations, networks of mosquito traps are set and maintained under surveillance throughout the year. In September 2017, Ae. albopictus was detected for the first time in a tyre company located in the North of Portugal. Molecular typing was performed, and a preliminary phylogenetic analysis indicated a high similarity with sequences of Ae. albopictus collected in Europe. A prompt surveillance response was locally implemented to determine its dispersal and abundance, and adult mosquitoes were screened for the presence of arboviral RNA. A total of 103 specimens, 52 immatures and 51 adults, were collected. No pathogenic viruses were detected. Despite the obtained results suggest low abundance of the population locally introduced, the risk of dispersal and potential establishment of Ae. albopictus in Portugal has raised concern for autochthonous mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.
Highlights
Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) is an invasive mosquito species of major concern to public health because of its vector role in the transmission of several arboviruses, such as chikungunya, dengue, andZika [1]
Within the framework of arboviruses surveillance programs, the REVIVE is based on a strategy of collection consisting in monthly to biweekly or even weekly adult and immature mosquito sampling [15]
The species was only found at the premises of a tyre company in the parish of Guilhufe and Urrô and at a relatively low number, indicating a population of low abundance, locally introduced, and possibly established, since Ae. albopictus was observed breeding in non-tyre sites, namely, gutters and other artificial containers
Summary
Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) is an invasive mosquito species of major concern to public health because of its vector role in the transmission of several arboviruses, such as chikungunya, dengue, and. This species has spread globally during the last four decades from its original distribution range in the Asia-Pacific region. This worldwide expansion was facilitated mainly by human trade via. Res. Public Health 2018, 15, 820; doi:10.3390/ijerph15040820 www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
