Asian tiger mosquito spotted in Kyrenia, TRNC health ministry says

Asian tiger mosquito is known to carry deadly diseases, including dengue fever and chikungunya.

“The Asian tiger mosquito can reproduce in small puddles. It is very important to detect the breeding and living areas in our own home, garden, and balcony and take simple precautions there,” the Ministry said.

Aedes albopictus (Stegomyia albopicta), from the mosquito (Culicidae) family, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito or forest mosquito, is a mosquito native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia.

In the past few centuries, however, this species has spread to many countries through the transport of goods and international travel. It is characterized by the white bands on its legs and body.

Asian tiger mosquito is known to transmit pathogens and viruses, such as the yellow fever virus, dengue fever, Chikungunya fever, and Usutu virus.

There is some evidence supporting the role of the Asian tiger mosquito in the transmission of Zika virus, which is primarily transmitted by the related Ae. aegypti. (ILKHA)