Guimarães detects Asian tiger mosquito capable of transmitting diseases

The Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, has been detected in the municipality of Guimarães, located in the Braga district of northern Portugal. This invasive species is capable of transmitting viral diseases such as dengue, Zika, and chikungunya.

Health authorities from the ULS Alto Ave Public Health Unit have clarified that the presence of the mosquito does not currently indicate the transmission of these diseases within the community. As of now, no cases of mosquito-borne illnesses have been identified in Guimarães. To manage the situation, authorities have reinforced entomological surveillance to monitor the species' establishment and potential progression.

Public health officials are advising residents to eliminate small accumulations of stagnant water near homes, gardens, and terraces—such as flowerpot saucers or abandoned buckets—to prevent mosquito breeding. The Guimarães Municipality is coordinating with the ULS Alto Ave and the Municipal Civil Protection Service to monitor the situation under the National Strategy, Plan for the Prevention and Control of Vector-Borne Diseases.