Alert for mosquito-borne diseases after rainy spring

The Catalan Association of Environmental Health Companies has warned that the heavy rains in spring have increased the number of mosquitoes, both common and tiger, which can also increase the transmission of tropical diseases.

Experts warn that there could be a tricky summer with potential cases of dengue, Zika, and even West Nile fever.

A mild winter, a rainy spring, and now the sudden arrival of heat have caused mosquito eggs to hatch earlier than normal.

Tiger mosquitoes attack up to 200 meters away from where they lay eggs, and require very little water to reproduce. Meanwhile, common mosquitoes do need more water, but they can fly up to one kilometer away from where eggs are laid.

The organization says that local councils should carry out preventive tasks from the end of winter, and that health authorities should be on the lookout for outbreaks of such imported diseases that could become endemic. 

"The professionalization of prevention tasks, combined with the obvious climate change we’re seeing, tells us we have to prepare ahead of time, because if not, we’ll have many more problems," Andreu Garcia, ADEPAP organization, said.

These diseases are first spread by mosquitoes, but in 2022 in Reus, south of Catalonia, there were two cases of human-to-human transmission, while in the south of Spain, there have also been plenty of other cases in recent years.

Authorities also say the period for prevention and control of summer pests is getting longer. It could even be extended up to eight months, to last from March until November. 

Mosquitos are most active around dawn and dusk, so experts urge you to pay special attention around those times. As well as applying sun cream before mosquito repellent, and reapply as needed, as it can wash off with sweat or water.