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According to the first monitoring results, the invasive Asian tiger mosquito, whose presence was confirmed in the Bratislava district of Ružinov in 2023, spent winter in this location, subsequently settled there and formed a local population. The Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences informed the public about the occurrence of the Aedes albopictus mosquito for the first time in February 2024. Scientists of the Biomedical Research Center cooperate with the Magistrate of the Capital City of the Slovak Republic, Bratislava, to verify its overwintering.

"The Asian tiger mosquito was detected this year at the same locations in Ružinov. Both females and males, as well as freshly laid eggs,were found. It is relatively easy to distinguish them from our native mosquito species because it is pure black, with snow-white stripes on the legs, no spots on the wings, and a white stripe on the chest and head. This type of mosquito was found in Slovakia already in 2012 in the area of Košice, but did not manage to settle there," says RNDr. Viktória  Čabanová, PhD. of the Biomedical Research Center SAS.

The scientist is currently working on comparing the DNA of individuals, which can tell us, among others, which countries the mosquitoes came from. The results should be known within a few weeks. Aedes albopictus spread from Asia to the whole world through imports of commodities such as tyres. It transmits 22 different viruses, including the exotic dengue, chikungunya, Zika or yellow fever. West Nile virus and Usutu virus are circulating in Slovakia. Exotic viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika do not spread locally. All human cases of infection to date are imported. The mosquito is only a potential carrier but not a source of infection, so its occurrence does not automatically mean the spread of transmissible diseases.

"In order to prevent the spread of viruses, it is extremely important to eliminate this mosquito at the very beginning and not allow it to permanently settle and multiply in our country. It thrives in man-made hatcheries - containers and boxes with a small amount of water, flower pots, gutters, sewers or in water-filled waste. Reducing its number and stopping its reproduction is, therefore, in the hands of all residents," appeals Viktória Čabanová.

Invasive mosquitoes can be fought with simple, easy steps. Following the steps can significantly reduce the number of these species and their further expansion. Scientists advise residents to carefully search for potential hatcheries. On a regular basis, there are a large number of containers in which rainwater is collected around the houses. It is necessary to collect garbage and eliminate landfills. Clearing away such waste and sorting it significantly reduces the chances for invasive mosquitoes to see it as a potential breeding ground.

"Inform your surroundings in case of a detected occurrence. Always check your car and your luggage before leaving a foreign country for mosquitoes as an unwanted souvenir. And last but not least, we appeal to the general public to get involved in mosquito monitoring using the Mosquito Alert mobile app, which allows everyone to monitor invasive mosquitoes with their mobile phones. The app is available for free on Google Play or the Apple Store," adds the scientist.

Editet by Monika Tináková

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