The tiger mosquito, a formidable little creature with white stripes, slowly advances on the roads of France. Carrier of tropical diseases such as dengue and the chikungunya (not fatal but very painful), this species, called Aedes albopictus, is originally from Southeast Asia. Used to cities and the presence of men, he travels via the road network and freight transport.
Since 2004, the tiger mosquito has been walking around France. In July 2012, he reached the gates of Paris. Today, it is established in 17 departments, mainly in the South of France. “We know that it is progressing and that it will continue to progress, it is moving in small foci”, declared the entomologist Jean-Baptise Ferré, during the presentation of the prevention plan against the tiger mosquito in Languedoc-Roussillon , April 16.
Indeed, the season of activity of these biting insects is approaching. They are in great shape from May to October.
Then, what to do to protect yourself ? The authorities are urging the population to take simple actions that could reduce the risk of mosquito presence by 80%. Some examples: getting rid of stagnant water, cleaning the gutters and maintaining your garden to reduce the number of resting places and possible spawning places such as old tires or damp corners. And, of course, use mosquito repellent!
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