The Tiger Mosquito: Aedes albopictus

The Tiger Mosquito: Aedes albopictus

Introduction

The tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a small, invasive mosquito that is native to Southeast Asia. It has been accidentally introduced to many other parts of the world, including the United States, Europe, and South America. The tiger mosquito is known for its aggressive biting behavior and its ability to transmit a number of serious diseases, including dengue, chikungunya, and Zika.

History and Spread

The tiger mosquito is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia. It was first described in 1894 by the British entomologist Frederick Vincent Theobald. The tiger mosquito was accidentally introduced to the United States in the 1980s, and it has since spread to all 50 states. It has also been introduced to Europe, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Physical Description

The tiger mosquito is a small, black and white mosquito. It has a white stripe on its back and white bands on its legs. The tiger mosquito is about 1/2 inch long.

Habitat and Behavior

The tiger mosquito lives in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is found in both urban and rural areas. The tiger mosquito breeds in water, and it can be found in a variety of habitats, including backyards, gardens, and even inside homes.

The tiger mosquito is a day-time biter, and it is most active during the early morning and evening hours. The tiger mosquito is an aggressive biter, and it will often bite multiple times.

Diseases Transmitted

The tiger mosquito can transmit a number of serious diseases, including:

Dengue

Chikungunya

Zika

Dengue

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is caused by the dengue virus. Dengue is a major public health concern in many parts of the world, and it is estimated to cause 390 million infections each year.

The symptoms of dengue typically appear 3-14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The symptoms of dengue can include:

Fever

Headache

Muscle and joint pain

Nausea and vomiting

Rash

In some cases, dengue can develop into a more severe form of the disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever. Dengue hemorrhagic fever can cause internal bleeding and can be fatal.

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is caused by the chikungunya virus. Chikungunya is a relatively new disease, and it was first identified in 1952 in Tanzania. Chikungunya has since spread to many other parts of the world, including the Americas, Europe, and the Indian Ocean region.

The symptoms of chikungunya typically appear 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The symptoms of chikungunya can include:

Fever

Headache

Muscle and joint pain

Nausea and vomiting

Rash

The symptoms of chikungunya are usually mild and go away on their own within a few weeks. However, chikungunya can cause severe joint pain in some people, and this pain can last for months or even years.

Zika

Zika is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is caused by the Zika virus. Zika is a relatively new disease, and it was first identified in 1947 in Uganda. Zika has since spread to many other parts of the world, including the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

The symptoms of Zika are usually mild and go away on their own within a week. The symptoms of Zika can include:

Fever

Headache

Muscle and joint pain

Rash

Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

In some cases, Zika can cause more serious problems, such as microcephaly in babies born to mothers who were infected with Zika during pregnancy. Microcephaly is a condition in which babies are born with smaller than normal heads.

Prevention

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from the tiger mosquito and the diseases it can transmit, including:

Use insect repellent

Wear long sleeves and pants

Drain standing water

Repair holes in screens

Insecticide Spraying

Insecticide spraying is one way to control the tiger mosquito population. Insecticides can be sprayed on a variety of surfaces, including homes, businesses, and public areas. Insecticide spraying can be effective in killing adult mosquitoes, but it does not kill mosquito eggs or larvae.

Larval Control

Larval control is another way to control the tiger mosquito population. Larval control involves killing mosquito larvae before they become adults. This can be done by removing standing water, applying larvicides, and introducing biological control