Dispersion of Aedes albopictus in the Spanish Mediterranean Area

Abstract

Emergence and re-emergence of arboviral disease in new areas of southern Europe is becoming a public health problem. Since Aedes albopictus was first detected in 2004 in Catalonia, it has spread along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Results of an entomological surveillance carried out by the Spanish Ministry of Health to monitor the expansion of Ae. albopictus along the Spanish Mediterranean coast between 2009 and 2012 are presented. Besides the new locations in Valencia and Murcia regional communities, it was identified in five municipalities in the Balearic Islands in 2012. A comprehensive plan aiming the control of invasive vector-borne diseases including entomological surveillance should be considered.