The Asian Tiger Mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is a species that has drawn significant public attention due to its aggressive biting behavior and its capacity to transmit various pathogens. Originating in Southeast Asia, this mosquito has spread globally, reaching many parts of the world, including the Americas and Europe, often via the transport of goods like used tires. Understanding the specific dangers posed by this mosquito is important for public health.
Recognizing the Asian Tiger Mosquito
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is distinguishable by its dark body adorned with striking white stripes. A single, prominent silvery-white line runs along its head and down its back. Its legs also display noticeable white bands. It measures between 3 to 10 millimeters.
Unlike many mosquito species, the Asian Tiger Mosquito bites aggressively during the daytime, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon. They are persistent biters, feeding on humans, pets, and wild animals. They thrive near human dwellings, laying eggs in small amounts of standing water. Common breeding sites include discarded tires, flowerpots, bird baths, buckets, and clogged gutters.
Diseases They Transmit
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is a competent vector for several viral diseases, meaning it can transmit these pathogens to humans. The actual risk of transmission depends on whether the mosquito population in a given area carries the specific pathogen.
Dengue Fever is a primary disease associated with Aedes albopictus. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and a rash. While often mild, some cases progress to severe dengue, involving severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, and rarely, can be fatal.
Chikungunya is another viral disease transmitted by this mosquito. Symptoms include sudden high fever and severe, debilitating joint pain that can persist for months or years. Other symptoms are headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, and a rash. While rarely fatal, the joint pain can severely impact daily activities.
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is also a potential vector for the Zika Virus. Zika infection often results in mild or no symptoms, but when present, symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, headache, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). A concern with Zika is its association with serious birth defects, such as microcephaly, and other congenital abnormalities in infants born to infected mothers. In rare cases, Zika can also trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition affecting the nervous system.
Protecting Yourself
Protecting yourself from Asian Tiger Mosquito bites and controlling their populations involves several strategies. Eliminating standing water is effective, as these mosquitoes lay eggs in even small amounts of stagnant water. Regularly empty and clean containers like bird baths, pet water dishes, and plastic wading pools weekly. Discard old tires, buckets, and any other water-collecting items. Ensure rain gutters are clear of debris.
Using EPA-registered insect repellents provides effective protection. Products with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus are recommended. Always follow product label instructions for safe application.
Wearing protective clothing outdoors minimizes exposure to mosquito bites. Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks. Light-colored, tightly woven clothing is preferred, as dark clothing can attract mosquitoes. Ensure window and door screens are intact and fit tightly to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Maintain your yard by trimming dense vegetation and removing leaf piles to reduce mosquito resting places.