Dengue Threat in Lisbon: What You Need to Know About the New Mosquito Invasion
Mensagem De Lisboa11 months ago
980

Dengue Threat in Lisbon: What You Need to Know About the New Mosquito Invasion

Health
dengue
mosquitoes
publichealth
cevdi
lisbon
Share this content:

Summary:

  • Dengue cases are expected in Lisbon due to the presence of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.

  • The CEVDI is the national laboratory for studying vector-borne diseases.

  • The Aedes aegypti mosquito, a primary dengue carrier, is absent in mainland Portugal.

  • Globalization and climate change are increasing the risks of mosquito-borne diseases.

  • Public participation through the MosquitoAlert app is vital for monitoring mosquito populations.

Exploring the Threat of Dengue in Portugal

At the Center for Vector Studies and Infectious Diseases (CEVDI) in Palmela, researchers are closely monitoring the lifecycle of mosquitoes, including the infamous Aedes albopictus, known as the Asian tiger mosquito. The CEVDI is the national reference laboratory for diagnosing diseases such as dengue, zika, and chikungunya. Recent findings have confirmed the presence of this mosquito species in areas like Cascais and Pombal, raising alarms about potential dengue cases in Lisbon.

Mosquito Research at CEVDI

The Mosquito Dilemma

Maria João Alves, a researcher at the CEVDI, emphasizes that while the presence of the Aedes albopictus mosquito is concerning, it will take time for dengue cases to occur. The disease can only be transmitted if mosquitoes are abundant and if they bite infected individuals.

  • Aedes aegypti, the primary vector for dengue, is not present in mainland Portugal, but Aedes albopictus has been detected, prompting increased vigilance.

Historical Context

The CEVDI has roots dating back to 1938 when it was established to combat malaria in the region. Due to its strategic location, Marateca was chosen for the institute, which played a crucial role in eradicating malaria in Portugal.

Globalization and Climate Change: Key Factors

The rise of vector-borne diseases is closely linked to globalization and climate change. As cities grow and people travel, the risk of introducing these diseases increases. Maria João Alves points out that urbanization facilitates the spread of diseases like dengue, which thrive in densely populated areas.

Community Involvement in Science

Public awareness and participation are crucial. The MosquitoAlert app allows citizens to report mosquito sightings, aiding scientific research and tracking.

Community Participation

As the situation develops, the CEVDI remains vigilant in monitoring mosquito populations and educating the public on preventive measures against mosquito bites and potential disease transmission.

Comments

0

Join Our Community

Sign up to share your thoughts, engage with others, and become part of our growing community.

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts and start the conversation!

Newsletter

Subscribe our newsletter to receive our daily digested news

Join our newsletter and get the latest updates delivered straight to your inbox.

OR
PortugalToday.news logo

PortugalToday.news

Get PortugalToday.news on your phone!

Other Latest News

Lisbon Proposes Adjusting Work Hours for Street Cleaners and Waste Collectors Amid Extreme Heat

Lisbon Proposes Adjusting Work Hours for Street Cleaners and Waste Collectors Amid Extreme Heat

3 hours ago
880
Portugal Moves Forward with Partial Privatization of TAP Airline

Portugal Moves Forward with Partial Privatization of TAP Airline

5 hours ago
890
Shocking Allegations: PSP Officers Under Investigation for Torture in Lisbon

Shocking Allegations: PSP Officers Under Investigation for Torture in Lisbon

2 hours ago
840
Portuguese Air Force Boosts Emergency Medical Transport with Additional 24/7 Helicopter

Portuguese Air Force Boosts Emergency Medical Transport with Additional 24/7 Helicopter

7 hours ago
990
Fugitive Rapist Wanted in France Captured by PJ in Lisbon Area

Fugitive Rapist Wanted in France Captured by PJ in Lisbon Area

9 hours ago
960
Algarve's Sea Reaches a Warm 26°C - A Summer Paradise Awaits

Algarve's Sea Reaches a Warm 26°C - A Summer Paradise Awaits

16 hours ago
940
Lisbon Metro's Red Line Resumes Normal Service After Unexpected Disruption

Lisbon Metro's Red Line Resumes Normal Service After Unexpected Disruption

13 hours ago
860
Lisbon City Council Reports No Damages from Canceled Housing Lottery - What Happened?

Lisbon City Council Reports No Damages from Canceled Housing Lottery - What Happened?

15 hours ago
870
Lisbon's Bold Move: Free Corridors Program to Revolutionize Public Transport Efficiency

Lisbon's Bold Move: Free Corridors Program to Revolutionize Public Transport Efficiency

21 hours ago
960
Limited Access to 10 Stunning Beaches Between Tróia and Melides Sparks Concern

Limited Access to 10 Stunning Beaches Between Tróia and Melides Sparks Concern

12 hours ago
1000
Portugal Delays Nationality Law to September, Fast-Tracks 'Mini-SEF' and Foreigners' Law

Portugal Delays Nationality Law to September, Fast-Tracks 'Mini-SEF' and Foreigners' Law

20 hours ago
1030
Santa Maria Hospital Clinical Director Fired After Audit Reveals Shocking Surgery Payments

Santa Maria Hospital Clinical Director Fired After Audit Reveals Shocking Surgery Payments

22 hours ago
970
Seven Beaches in Grândola Face Restricted Access Due to Tourism Developments - What You Need to Know

Seven Beaches in Grândola Face Restricted Access Due to Tourism Developments - What You Need to Know

23 hours ago
830
Lisbon's Casagrand: A €22.5M Investment Transforming Alfama's Historic Heart

Lisbon's Casagrand: A €22.5M Investment Transforming Alfama's Historic Heart

1 day ago
960
Portugal Delays Key Votes on Nationality, Immigration, and Police Reforms - What's Next?

Portugal Delays Key Votes on Nationality, Immigration, and Police Reforms - What's Next?

1 day ago
910
Former Santa Maria Hospital Dermatology Director Unaware of Surgeons' Additional Earnings - Shocking Revelations

Former Santa Maria Hospital Dermatology Director Unaware of Surgeons' Additional Earnings - Shocking Revelations

1 day ago
880
Middlesbrough FC Intensifies Training in Portugal's Algarve: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

Middlesbrough FC Intensifies Training in Portugal's Algarve: A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

11 hours ago
810
PSD Agrees to Postpone Final Vote on Nationality Law Revision to September - What's at Stake?

PSD Agrees to Postpone Final Vote on Nationality Law Revision to September - What's at Stake?

1 day ago
1120
Lisbon Welcomes a New Honest Greens in Alvalade - A Fresh Take on Healthy Eating

Lisbon Welcomes a New Honest Greens in Alvalade - A Fresh Take on Healthy Eating

1 day ago
910
PJ's Massive Crackdown on Illegal Immigration: Network Recruiting Women for Sham Marriages Uncovered

PJ's Massive Crackdown on Illegal Immigration: Network Recruiting Women for Sham Marriages Uncovered

1 day ago
1120
Discover the Best Beachside Restaurants in Lisbon and Porto

Discover the Best Beachside Restaurants in Lisbon and Porto

2 days ago
810
Massive Wildfire Engulfs Two-Thirds of Alandroal, Alentejo - Emergency Teams Battle Blaze

Massive Wildfire Engulfs Two-Thirds of Alandroal, Alentejo - Emergency Teams Battle Blaze

2 days ago
960
Urgent School Issues in Algarve Discussed by FRAP and FNE - What's at Stake?

Urgent School Issues in Algarve Discussed by FRAP and FNE - What's at Stake?

1 day ago
970
Education Minister Slams Chega's Controversial Remarks on Foreign Students: "I Can Only Regret"

Education Minister Slams Chega's Controversial Remarks on Foreign Students: "I Can Only Regret"

2 days ago
970
Lisbon Opens Applications for 135 Affordable Municipal Homes - Don't Miss Your Chance!

Lisbon Opens Applications for 135 Affordable Municipal Homes - Don't Miss Your Chance!

2 days ago
970
Mondrian's First Hotel in Portugal Set to Transform Algarve's Luxury Scene by 2028

Mondrian's First Hotel in Portugal Set to Transform Algarve's Luxury Scene by 2028

1 day ago
940
Portugal's Deadly Heatwave and Europe's Fiery Crisis: A Climate Emergency Unfolds

Portugal's Deadly Heatwave and Europe's Fiery Crisis: A Climate Emergency Unfolds

1 day ago
910