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[SITUATION] · [ACTIVE] · [HEALTH]

2 clusters · 10 sources · 26 days · First seen 29 days ago · Last updated 4 days ago

Mosquito-borne disease surveillance in Spain

Overview

Research has identified how environmental factors, such as temperature and vegetation cover, influence the circulation of avian malaria among different mosquito species. A study published in Scientific Reports noted that parasite prevalence in Culex pipiens increases with vegetation cover, while in Culex perexiguus, it is linked to higher minimum temperatures. This research also revealed nine distinct genetic lineages of the parasite.

In Catalonia, authorities detected Usutu and West Nile viruses in mosquitoes within a wetland area. Although these viruses circulate between mosquitoes and wild birds, the risk to humans was described as “very low” due to the distance from urban centers.

Ongoing surveillance efforts include the Mosquito Alert citizen science project, which utilizes a mobile application for individuals to report mosquito sightings. This data assists researchers in tracking species expansion and monitoring potential disease vectors. While the risk of disease transmission in Spain remains low, experts note that mosquito populations can undergo sudden, localized growth based on water availability and temperature.

Entities

CSIC · Estación Biológica de Doñana · Frederic Bartumeus · Spain · Cataluña

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] The probability of disease transmission by mosquitoes in Spain is not zero, though it remains very low. www.diariodesevilla.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Mosquito Alert project uses a mobile app to allow citizens to photograph and report mosquito species to track their expansion. www.diariodesevilla.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] In Andalusia, West Nile virus is a concern as it can be transmitted by Culex mosquitoes. www.diariodesevilla.es
[○ 1 SOURCE] Mosquito populations can grow abruptly in localized areas when water and suitable temperatures are present. www.diariodesevilla.es

Timeline

4 days ago

[HEALTH] 5 sources
Mosquito Alert director discusses disease surveillance in Spain
Researcher Frederic Bartumeus discusses mosquito disease risks in Spain and the role of the Mosquito Alert citizen science app in tracking species expansion and West Nile virus threats.
29 days ago

[HEALTH] 5 sources
Environmental factors and mosquito species drive avian malaria circulation
Research from EBD-CSIC shows how climate and mosquito species drive avian malaria transmission, while Usutu and West Nile viruses have been detected in Catalan mosquitoes.

Sources

aris.se · diamenty.forbes.pl · diariodejerez.es · diariodesevilla.es · diarioveterinario.com · eldiadecordoba.es · huelvainformacion.es · konstfack.se · malagahoy.es · xeu.mx