DETECTION OF AEDES ALBOPICTUS MOSQUITO IN NORTHERN PORTUGAL AND STUDY OF THE IMPACT OF ITS DISPERSAL

Aedes albopictus mosquito, known as the tiger mosquito, is an invasive mosquito originating from Asia, and its
expansion across continents in both tropical and temperate zones, and the exponential growth of dengue cases in the last
50 years, poses a significant risk to human health. The aim of this study is to characterize the invasive species of the
Aedes albopictus mosquito in the northern region of Portugal and raise awareness of its dispersal to other regions. The
surveillance of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in the Northern region is carried out through the collection of adult
mosquitoes, using the BG trap and/or aspirator and collection of immature mosquitoes, using ovitraps and natural
breeding sites. The reports for the Vector Surveillance Network between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed. The identification of Aedes albopictus mosquito first occurred in Portugal in September 2017 in the municipality of Penafiel, located in Northern Portugal, in a Retread company and has been established at this entry point since 2018. The presence of the mosquito in the North of Portugal represents a high risk of dispersion to other regions. This study is of great importance to the field of Public Health.