Originally from Asia, the tiger mosquito is now exported to Europe. Increasingly high temperatures and water sources attract them, in cities and in the countryside. The tiger mosquito, considered one of the most invasive species, is already established in 78 French departments in 2024. The problem? The bite of this insect leaves more than just a slightly reddish spot. Potentially carrying diseases, the tiger mosquito can bring dengue fever, eastern equine encephalomyelitis, chikungunya and zika. So should we really be worried about their arrival in France? How to recognize it? What are the symptoms to watch out for in the event of a bite? We reveal everything you need to know about the little beast that dangerously attacks the big one.
In the middle of the city, not two days ago, we slapped our legs where an insect tickled us a little. The poor thing didn’t survive. The suspect’s corpse on the palm of the hand, we analyzed it. It was small, black with white stripes. A tiger mosquito! While the common mosquito tends to bite at night, the tiger mosquito comes out during the day to attack its prey. The latter is much quieter… and much more dangerous too.
Dengue, chikungunya and zika… the three diseases carried by the tiger mosquito
Fever, rash and joint pain are the main symptoms of diseases such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika. In more severe cases, headache, vomiting, eye pain and muscle pain are also noted.
Zika, on the other hand, has almost no symptoms but is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Infection can affect the unborn baby and cause serious abnormalities in brain development.
Symptoms of these three diseases can appear three to four days after the bite, or several months later. In any case, as soon as the body temperature rises above 38°C after being bitten, or if other symptoms appear, it is advisable to consult a doctor quickly.
No treatment to date to cure these diseases
In 2022, there were 3.1 million cases of dengue fever worldwide with nearly 6,600 deaths recorded. In France, in the same year, more than 370 cases of dengue fever were recorded in France. As well as 23 cases of chikungunya and 6 cases of zika. Among these patients, deaths are unfortunately to be deplored. In the same year,
At present, there is no treatment for dengue, chikungunya and zika. Visible symptoms will be treated by taking painkillers and rest. Regarding possible vaccines? There are none to date to prevent the zika and chikungunya viruses. However, there are several against dengue. Dengvaxia, developed by Sanofi Pasteur, is recommended only for people who have already been infected by the virus. Qdenga, developed by Takeda, was approved in 2022 by the European Union for the prevention of dengue in all people aged four and over.
Some people seem to attract mosquitoes more easily than others. If, like us, you are one of these unfortunate people, there is good reason. These insects have a large olfactory system and are sensitive to odors. When the body heat increases, the production of bacteria increases and the skin, then more odorous, immediately becomes much more appetizing for mosquitoes. In general, they prefer women’s skin, much thinner and easier to bite.
So how can we reduce the number of attacks that we are quickly subject to during the summer? First of all, we prefer to wear loose, light-coloured clothing, impregnated with repellents. If it is really hot and shorts or dresses are out, then we apply the repellent directly to the skin. At home, we install mosquito nets on doors and windows.
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