The presence of tiger mosquitoes was identified in Vila Verde, in the district of Braga, but no infected mosquitoes nor cases of transmitted disease have yet been detected, the Braga Local Health Unit (ULS) announced this Friday, October 10th.
ULS Braga states, in a statement, that the mosquito in question is considered an invasive species and has the capacity to transmit diseases such as dengue, zika and chikungunya. “It is important, however, to highlight that so far no infected mosquitoes have been detected nor cases of locally transmitted disease recorded”indicates the note, cited by Lusa.
An intersectoral intervention is already underway, developed in “close collaboration” with local entities, with the aim of preventing and controlling the proliferation of that invasive mosquito.
ULS Braga highlights the importance of adopting preventive measures by the population, namely the elimination of places with stagnant water, which act as potential breeding sites, and individual protection against mosquito bites. “Simple measures, such as removing water accumulated in dishes from vases, containers or gutters, frequently washing animal drinking fountains and protecting homes with mosquito nets, are essential”advises the unit.
“Confirming the presence of the tiger mosquito in our region requires a joint effort between health entities, local authorities and the population. Only with everyone’s collaboration will it be possible to control its expansion and reduce the risk of disease transmission”Alerta and ULS.
The coordinator of the ULS Braga Public Health Unit, Pedro Pereira, calls on each citizen to adopt simple measures in their daily lives, such as eliminating places with standing water and protecting themselves against bites.
The initial alert was received at the end of last year, with the ULS Braga Public Health Unit reinforcing surveillance within the scope of the Vector Surveillance Network, a national program that monitors the presence and activity of mosquitoes and ticks. After this reinforcement, the presence of the species was confirmed.