Aedes aegypti mosquito - Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika

World Health Organisation calls on countries to prepare as Zika virus expected to spread in Europe in late spring and summer

19/5/2016

WHO calls on countries to prepare as Zika virus expected to spread to Europe - read the article.

Whilst there have been several news articles which include Madeira as a potential Zika outbreak location, few actually mention the control measures in place in Madeira, by both the national health authorities (DGS -Direcção Geral de Saude) who have created dedicated e-mail zika@dgs.pt and website as well as the regional health authorities who have also created a dedicated website where anyone can see the mosquito activity as per monitoring programme in place.

The epidemiology report through to the 16th week of 2016, identifies one potential dengue case - see report from IASAUDE or click below.

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IASAUDE, the Regional Health Authority published the following on 18 May 2016

Madeira Autonomous Region follows all the World Health Organization recommendations in relation to the Zika virus spreading risk.
We are keeping a very close watch at the entomological and epidemiological level.
The risk of local transmission is small because the vector activity is low.

Funchal , May 18, 2016
The President of the Directing Council
Regional Public Health Authority
Ana Nunes

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The National Health Authority confirm in Diario de Noticas on 19 May 2016 that current tests confirm that mosquitoes in Madeira are not infected, neither with Dengue nor with Zika virus.

Dossiê Zika: Tudo o que precisa de saber sobre o vírus

3/2/2016

O Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical (IHMT) criou o excelente resume sobre o virus do ZIKA (ZIKV), transmitido pela espécie de mosquito Aedes.

Dossiê Zika:
Tudo o que precisa de saber sobre o vírus

De acordo com a VectorNet - uma iniciativa da European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) e European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) - o mosquito Aedes aegypti (mapa à esquerda) não esta estabelecido (sobrevive o inverno e reproduz) na Europa, com a excepção da Madeira, mas o Aedes albopictus (mapa à direita) está muito mais espalhado pela Europa, incluindo Italia, França e Grécia, entre outros países do Mediterrâneo.

Aedes aegypti - October 2015. Monitoring (green) and established (red) mosquito populations. Source - ECDC

Aedes albopictus - October 2015. Monitoring (green) and established (red) mosquito populations. Source - ECDC

A Oranização Mundial de Saude (WHO) declarou, 1 Fevereiro 2016, uma situação de "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (Emergência de Saúde Publica de preocupação Internacional)

I am now declaring that the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurological disorders reported in Brazil, following a similar cluster in French Polynesia in 2014, constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

A coordinated international response is needed to improve surveillance, the detection of infections, congenital malformations, and neurological complications, to intensify the control of mosquito populations, and to expedite the development of diagnostic tests and vaccines to protect people at risk, especially during pregnancy.

The Committee found no public health justification for restrictions on travel or trade to prevent the spread of Zika virus.

At present, the most important protective measures are the control of mosquito populations and the prevention of mosquito bites in at-risk individuals, especially pregnant women.

Madeira´s Aedes aegypti mosquito population on monitor

29/1/2016

According to the regional (IASAUDE) and national (DGS) health authorities, although Madeira has a resident Aedes aegypti mosquito population, there have been no reports of Zika virus in Madeira, with the only cases reported being imported cases.

Jaime Nina, virologist from the national institute of higiene and tropical medicine (Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical) suggests in an article in the regional news paper Diário de Noticias on 29 January 2016 that it would be a good time to try and eradicate Aedes from Madeira. The expected and normal increase in vector mosquito activity in September could be an issue.

Ana Nunes from IASAUDE confirms that:

Madeira maintains a network of 193 traps to monitor the population of Aedes mosquito
none of the Zika cases reported in Portugal were in Madeira
that the best practices as recommended both by national DGS and international CDC are in place, including educating the population and implementing preventative measures.

Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak - Aedes aegypti mosquito

28/1/2016

Latim America is currently the focus point of the Zika virus outrbreak, transmitted by the vector mosquito species Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus with European member states, especially those with resident Aedes mosquito species, showing concern with regard of the potential autochthonous cases of virus infection transmitted by Aedes (Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika).

Countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission
Source: CDC

Countries or territories with reported confirmed autochthonous cases of Zika virus infection in the past two months, as of 28 January 2016
Source: ECDC

Risk Risk Risk of Zika virus importantion and transmission in continental EU
In ECDC´s the "Rapid Risk Assesment" report of 21 January 2016,

Travel-associated cases of Zika virus infections have been reported in the EU in the past . However, EU Member States are not required to report Zika virus infections to ECDC and the data do not reflect the true number of cases diagnosed in the EU/EEA. As the Zika virus epidemic continues to spread in the Americas and Caribbean, and the awareness of the risk of infection increases among clinicians and travellers, the number of reported travel-related Zika virus infections is expected to increase in the EU. As an example, the Netherlands recently reported six cases returning from Suriname.
The Aedes albopictus mosquito species is established in many parts of the EU, primarily around the Mediterranean.(Source ECDC 2015 Nov 20)

Aedes albopictus - known distribution October 2015

Aedes aegypti - known distribution October 2015

Onward transmission from imported cases within the continental EU is possible because Aedes albopictus is a competent vector for the transmission of Zika virus, even though this has not yet been confirmed for European mosquito populations. The risk of transmission of Zika virus infection is extremely low in the EU during winter season as the climatic conditions are not suitable for the activity of Aedes albopictus mosquito. The capacity of European populations of Aedes albopictus to transmit Zika virus is not known but is anticipated and should be assessed.

Other EU Outermost Regions (OMRs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) on other continents where mosquito vectors are present such as La Réunion and Madeira are at risk of establishment of local transmission should the virus be introduced. Madeira is of concern because of the close relationship with Brazil and Venezuela where Zika virus is currently circulating, the presence of Aedes aegypti, and the 2012 dengue epidemic which demonstrated the favourable conditions for vector-borne outbreaks.

Madeira health authorities vigilant with regard to the risk of reintroduction of Dengue virus and Chikungunya

19/10/2014

Although without register of any autochthonous Dengue cases in Madeira since March 2013, IASAUDE, Madeira´s health authority is vigilant to the possible risk of the reintroduction of Dengue.

October 2012 was the month for the 2012-2013 Dengue outbreak in Madeira due to "perfect storm" conditions: increased seasonal Aedes mosquito activity in Madeira together with a visiting population of visitors carrying Dengue, later confirmed as a variation from Venezuela.

The recent reports from Venezuela of Dengue infections as well as Chikungunya, also transmitted by both Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus mosquito is of concern with the travel between Madeira and Venezuela and the resident vector mosquito in Madeira.

in DNOTICIAS MADEIRA 14.10.2014
Saúde atenta ao risco de reintrodução de dengue

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Wolbachia bacteria reduce Aedes aegypti capacity to transmit Dengue

26/9/2014

The Eliminate Dengue research program is investigating whether Wolbachia, bacteria that occur naturally in up to 60% of all insect species - but not the dengue carrying mosquito Aedes aegypti - can be used as an effective strategy to disrupt dengue transmission between people.

In their research they have demonstrated that they can transfer Wolbachia from insects into Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and in doing this also demonstrated that when Wolbachia is present in the mosquito it reduces their ability to transmit dengue viruses. Wolbachia blocks dengue virus transmission by mosquitoes and thereby reduces human infection and dengue disease.

The hope is to seed wild mosquito populations where dengue is endemic with Wolbachiathrough a controlled number of releases of Wolbachia infected mosquitoes that will then breed with the wild mosquito population.

SOURCE: http://www.eliminatedengue.com/

In the various research articles we see that our Biogent traps are the scientific reference to capture and monitor adult Aedes aegty mosquitos, vectors of the Dengue virus.

Mosquitaire Mosquito Trap

Funchal initiates a combat operation against the Dengue vector, the Aedes aegypti mosquito

28/7/2014

Source: DN Noticias Madeira 2014-07-28

Funchal City Council will initiate the 2014 combat against the Aedes aegypti mosquito - the Dengue Fever vector - Tuesday 29 July with the application of salt water in the city´s gutters and drainage system, especially in the most critical areas of the city, marked in red.

Salt water has been confirmed as an effective measure against the evolution of mosquito larva with little or no relevant environmental impact since most of the city´s road / rainwater drainage systems empty into the sea.

Funchal City Council maintains its own monitoring network of both ovitraps and mosquito traps and sends these results to the regional health board - IASAUDE who in turn, together with a larger monitoring network, produce a regional entomological report.

This combat will continue through to October / mid-November in intervals of no more than 3 weeks and adjusted according the meteorological alterations and monitoring results

Source: DN Noticas Madeira "Operação de combate ao mosquito vector de transmissão da dengue no Funchal", 2014-07-28

ZINO Consultadoria in partnership with ITB offer a Mosquito Monitoring Programme which allows property managers as well as private individuals to monitor mosquito activity within various areas, using best practice methodology and includes a site visit and recommendations on how to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and undertake preventative measures.

MOsquito monitoring programme

It is also possible to acquire mosquito traps.

Aedes aegypti mosquito returns

23/7/2014

Dengue vector, Aedes aegypti mosquito return as per seasonal activity, with 50% mosquito activity reduction compared to 2012

Aedes aegypti concentration in 2014 is 50% of that observed in 2012

Following the Dengue fever outbreak in 2012, Madeira´s health authorities maintain a monitoring network which is reinforced between May and November when there is higher Aedes activity.

Madeira has only registered 5 imported cases of Dengue fever since the official end of the outbreak in March 2013.

17 months have passed without any autochthonous Dengue infections.

Ana Clara Silva, vice-president of IASUADE confirms that Madeira and Porto Santo participate in a national vector monitoring programme REVIVE, which have indicated 50% less mosquito activity in 2014 compared to 2012.

Eradication of the mosquito is unlikely. Locals and visitors must learn to live with the mosquito, as in other destinations such as Greece or Madrid in Spain where 38 cases of imported Chinkunguya virus infections were declared and are transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which is settling not only in tropical destinations.

Prevention is still the key action, both in the reduction of breeding grounds, especial water ways, as well as wearing light coloured, long sleeve clothes and mosquito repellent to prevent being bitten.

Lastly, travellers visiting known Dengue or Chinkunguya outbreak regions, such as Brazil, should adhere to recommendations to prevent being bitten and/or infected by the Aedes mosquito. Those returning from Dengue outbreak regions and have any symptoms of Dengue within 2-3 weeks after returning, should contact their doctor ... as they could cause an outbreak in regions with Aedes mosquito.

Source "Mosquitos de regresso, Aedes aegypti já estão em maior actividade. Iasaude recomenda cuidados" in DN Noticias Madeira 2014-07-23

Post World Cup Fever

10/7/2014

Post World Cup Fever - could Europe be facing a 2014 summer of Dengue and Chikungunya fever outbreak in local Aedes mosquito populations?

Monitoring Aedes mosquito population, as well as their viral load, could be a key step to reduce the risk of a Dengue or Chikungunya fever outbreak in European locations where the Aedes mosquito is know to be resident.

Aedes MOSQUITO MONITORING PROGRAMME

Global Dengue Transmission Map Courtesy of World Health Organization.

Source: IASAUDE / July 2014

Aedes MOSQUITO MONITORING PROGRAMME

The World Cup in 2014 was held in Brasil, the country with the highest number of Dengue cases in the world.

The World Cup is expected to attract 600,000 international visitors and , with the substantial decrease of mosquito and dengues cases in 2013 and early 2014, an estimated 3-59 and expected 33 visitors will become infected ... estimating the number of dengue infections in international visitors to Brazil may also help anticipate the risk of importation of dengue into currently non-dengue endemic countries when the travellers return home. Travellers contribute to the spread of dengue globally which for example has led to the dengue outbreak in Europe in 2012, in the Island of Madeira (Portugal) (Wilder-Smith et al. 2014).

Data on air passengers and air travel patterns may help identify risks for importation (Napoli et al. 2012, Sessions et al. 2013). The establishment of dengue in currently uninfected area will depend on the presence and density of Aedes mosquitoes. Assessing the likelihood of local transmission of these viruses into currently uninfected countries such as most of Europe depends on the number of viraemic person-days among air-travellers arriving in the European Union (Seyler et al. 2009).

Finally, the dengue number of cases observed in the first 14 weeks of 2014 is more than 80% lower than the same period in 2013. Many factors could explain this observation, in particular the huge epidemic that occurred in 2013 (the highest ever in Brazilian dengue history with more than 1.3 million cases) and the severe drought observed in the summer period of 2103/2014. The latter factor has been previously reported in Brazil (Olívêr et al. 2014), when a significant negative correlation was observed between dengue cases and bushfires, a phenomenon strongly influenced by drought. In addition, important vector control measures were reinforced as a result of the huge outbreak in 2013. In any case, it is expected that the number of dengue cases among travellers visiting Brazil in the World Cup will be very low.

Source:
"Risk of symptomatic dengue for foreign visitors to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil", Massad E. et al,
Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Vol. 109(3): 394-397, May 2014

Wilder-Smith A, Quam M, Sessions O, Rocklov J, Liu-Helmersson J, Franco L, Khan K. The 2012 dengue outbreak in Madeira: exploring the origins . Euro Surveill.
2014;19(8):pii=20718. Available online: http://www.eurosurveillance.org/ViewArticle.aspx?ArticleId=20718

Madeira without autochthonous Dengue fever infections since February 2013

16/3/2014

Foto Rui Silva/Aspress Source www.dnoticias.pt

Ana Clara, vice presidente of IASAÚDE (regional health administration), talking at "XXCongresso Nacional de Medicina Interna" reminded participants that since the epidemic between October 2012 and February 2013, no autochthonous infections of Dengue have been registered in Madeira.
However, the speaker alerted that even though there has been a reduction in Aedes aegypti mosquito, the destination is on alert as Madeira can still be epidemic without being endemic, as the mosquito is present in Madeira. Vector borne diseases including dengue, yellow fever and malaria are very much on the scope of the World Health Organisation.

Original article in DN Noticias Madeira, 16 March 2014

ZINO Consultadoria in partership with ITB continue to offer Mosquito Monitoring Programme.

If you would like to know more information about the programme, its benefits and results to date, we would be happy to contact you with the information

MOSQUITO MONITORING PROGRAMME