DEADLY tiger mosquitoes were found in two Spanish hotspots in an urgent holiday warning for Brits abroad. Those on the way to the sunny Balearic Islands must make sure to know how to spot the dengue-carrying bug. Tiger mosquitoes, which are native to Southeast Asia, appear to have been spreading across Majorca and Menorca.
Authorities on both islands have been taking preventative measures to stop the pests from spreading any further, including spraying insecticide from helicopters. The tiger mosquito, scientifically known as Aedes albopictus, is a small, dark mosquito with distinctive white markings on its legs and a white stripe down the centre of its back. This mosquito is also commonly referred to as the Asian tiger mosquito due to its origin and striped appearance.
Smaller than many other mosquito species, the tiger mosquito is an aggressive daytime biter, with peak activity periods in the early morning and late afternoon. It has spread to many parts of the world, including the Americas, Europe , and Africa. Holidaymakers must now be extra vigilant so they're bitten by this host of killer diseases, which include dengue fever, Zika virus, Chikungunya, yellow fever and various encephalitis viruses.
The bite itself hurts more than that of a European mosquito, as it may result in significant swelling, scars, and occasionally an infection that calls for medical attention. The tiger mosquito's ability to adapt to different environments and its aggressive biting behaviour make i.
