Mosquito-Borne Diseases: Rising Cases & Alert

BarcelonaThe climatic crisis is causing high temperatures to arrive before the summer months, and therefore also that also make mosquito pests, cockroaches, bedbugs and ticks in our country. This year, in addition, there has been a especially rainy spring, which favors the expansion of these animals throughout the country and the hatching of pests has advanced, especially in the warmest areas. Some of these insects, such as mosquitoes and ticks, are vectors of disease transmission such as dengue, zika, chikungunya and western fever, which every year are more common in the state. These diseases were only seen in imported cases from other countries, but now native shoots are detected frequently – that is, the transmission is not associated with any trip – and the expert forecast is that they end up being endemic in Spain.

Last year in Vila-Seca, the greatest native dengue outbreak of the State was detected, with eight infected people, and in Andalusia at least a dozen people died from the western Nile virus. Given this scenario, last week the Public Health Agency of Catalonia has already activated the surveillance and control protocols of the diseases transmitted by mosquitoes. However, the Catalan Association of Environmental Health Companies (ADEPAP), which brings together pest control and eradication companies, argues that mosquito surveillance must be tightened, treat them as an increasingly present threat to public health and allocate more prevention efforts so that they do not prolize.

“We must change the idea of ​​considering mosquitoes only as a nuisance and take their presence as transmitters of certain pathogens,” says Andreu Garcia, vice president and spokesman of the Adepap. Apart from the high temperatures, there are more factors that favor mosquito pests, such as immigration and traveler movement between Catalonia and endemic areas, which according to the department of Salut “constitute an important source of introduction of imported viruses in our country.” In addition, the Ministry of Health warns that in Catalonia there is a high risk of the presence of mosquitoes with the capacity to transmit the western Nile virus, which until now in the state was very localized in the south.

Cockroaches, bedbugs and ticks

Apart from the mosquitoes, there are other pests that the ADEPAP provides that they will be a headache now that the heat is already here. This is the case of cockroaches, which “will continue to appear strongly throughout the summer,” especially the American cockroach, which lives in the sewers of towns and cities and can appear in houses and all kinds of buildings, explains Garcia. In these cases, the pipe and drains system must be cleaned to prevent them from entering inside the buildings. As for the German cockroach, which is smaller, it is common to find it inside the houses, especially in the kitchens, and in bars and restaurants. To prevent their appearance, from the ADEPAP they warn that “make and maintain a good sanitation of the buildings and the interior of the houses and premises to prevent cockroaches can find refuge and food and water sources, which should never be left on counter and stakes.”

Bed bed bugs are associated mainly to the international mobility of people and goods, as well as the massive arrival of tourism during the summer months. They reach the houses transported in the clothes or in the suitcases and are quite difficult to eliminate because they have generated resistances to some insecticides. During the day they hide in corners, wood cracks or clothing folds, especially in mattresses and sofas, and at night they go out to suck the blood of their guests. They do not transmit diseases but can cause skin infections. Likewise, experts recommend checking the bags when they return home and wash the clothes used during the trip to the highest possible temperature, from 60 ° C.

The ones that can be transmission vectors are ticks, which have always been present in the state but that with the climatic crisis are spreading. They can convey the crime-cheese hemorrhagic fever and Lyme’s disease, among others. To avoid sting, it is important to wear long -sleeved clothes and avoid open footwear, use repellent and, as far as possible, not walk through areas of thick vegetation. When there is a bite, it is essential to extract it from the body as soon as possible, since most of the diseases are transmitted hours after the animal adheres to the body and ingested blood.

Health authorities also recommend avoiding traditional remedies to extract them, such as applying oil or alcohol, since more pathogens can be stressed and inoculated, which increases the risk of contracting some disease. Instead, it is necessary to use extraction tweezers and not scratch the wound area. Once extracted, clean the wound with soap and water and apply an antiseptic, such as iodine or chlorhexidine. If a month after the bite has a fever, skin rash or some other discomfort, Salut recommends going to a health center.

Rising Temperatures,Rising Pests: An Expert Weighs in on SpainS Bug Problem

Keywords: Mosquitoes,Pests,Climate Change,Disease Transmission,Spain,Public health,Cockroaches,Bed bugs,Ticks,Dengue Fever,Zika,West Nile Virus,Pest Control

Time.news: The arrival of warmer weather is usually met with enthusiasm, but this year, Spain faces a less welcome guest alongside the sunshine: an explosion of pests. We’re seeing reports of increased mosquito activity, cockroach infestations, and warnings about ticks and bed bugs. To help us understand the situation, what’s driving it, and what we can do, we’ve spoken to Dr. Evelyn Reed, an expert in entomology and vector-borne diseases.Dr. Reed, thank you for joining us.

Dr. Evelyn Reed: it’s my pleasure to be here.This is a critical issue that needs attention.

Time.news: The article highlights that the climatic crisis,coupled with a rainy spring,is a major factor. Can you elaborate on how climate change specifically impacts pest populations?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: Absolutely. Warmer temperatures extend the breeding seasons of many insects, including mosquitoes and ticks. Mosquitoes, for example, need standing water to breed, and the article correctly points out that the rainy spring has provided ample breeding grounds. The higher temperatures also accelerate thier life cycle, leading to faster reproduction and larger populations.In the case of ticks, warmer temperatures extend their activity period, meaning they’re active and seeking hosts for a longer duration each year.

Time.news: The article mentions a worrying trend – the increasing prevalence of native outbreaks of diseases like dengue and West Nile virus. These were previously rare, seen only in imported cases. Why are we seeing this shift?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: This is a significant concern. There are several factors at play. Firstly, as the article notes, increased travel and immigration from areas where these diseases are endemic introduce the viruses into Spain. Secondly, and critically, Spain now has mosquito species capable of transmitting these viruses. Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is a particularly efficient vector for dengue, zika, and chikungunya. The warmer climate allows these vector species to thrive and expand their range, leading to local transmission and the establishment of endemic disease.

Time.news: the Catalan Association of Environmental Health Companies (ADEPAP) is calling for increased mosquito surveillance and prevention efforts. Do you agree with this assessment, and if so, what specific steps should be taken?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: I wholeheartedly agree. Prevention is paramount. Increased surveillance is crucial to identify areas with high mosquito populations and to track the spread of vector-borne diseases. Targeted mosquito control measures, such as eliminating breeding sites and using larvicides (products that kill mosquito larvae), are essential. public education campaigns are also vital to inform people about how to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

time.news: Beyond mosquitoes, the article also discusses cockroaches, bed bugs, and ticks. Are the drivers for their increased presence similar?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: While each pest has its own specific factors, there are common threads. Warmer temperatures generally favor cockroach activity and reproduction. Also, the article rightly emphasizes sanitation; poor sanitation provides cockroaches with food and shelter. Bed bugs are primarily associated with international travel and the movement of goods. Ticks, as mentioned, are directly influenced by climate change, with warmer temperatures extending their activity season and expanding their geographic range.

Time.news: what practical advice can you offer to our readers in Spain to protect themselves and their homes from these pests?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: Here are a few key tips:

Mosquitoes: Eliminate standing water around your property. Wear long-sleeved clothing and use insect repellent,especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Consider mosquito nets for sleeping.

Cockroaches: Maintain good sanitation. Clean up food spills promptly. Seal cracks and crevices in walls and floors. Keep garbage containers tightly closed.

Bed Bugs: Inspect luggage carefully after travel. Wash clothes used during travel at high temperatures (60°C or higher). If you suspect bed bugs, contact a pest control professional.

Ticks: Wear long-sleeved clothing and tuck pants into socks when walking in wooded or grassy areas. Use insect repellent containing DEET. Check yourself for ticks after being outdoors. If you find a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers, pulling straight up without twisting. Clean the bite area with soap and water. Seek medical attention if you develop a rash, fever, or other symptoms after a tick bite.

Time.news: The article warns against using customary remedies for tick removal. Why is this important?

Dr. Evelyn Reed: Traditional remedies like applying oil or alcohol to a tick can actually stress the tick and cause it to inject more pathogens into the skin, increasing the risk of disease transmission. It’s always best to use tweezers to remove the tick properly and then clean the area.

Time.news: Dr. Reed, thank you for sharing your expertise and providing such valuable insights for our readers. It’s clear that vigilance and proactive measures are key in managing this growing pest problem in Spain.

Dr. Evelyn Reed: You’re welcome. Staying informed and taking preventive steps is the best way to protect ourselves and our communities.