[Asian tiger mosquito bites: perception of the affected population after Aedes albopictus became established in Spain].

INTRODUCTION

The presence of Aedes albopictus was detected in Spain in 2004 and it has now become fully established, causing significant discomfort among the population in the affected areas.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the arrival of A albopictus and its subsequent establishment on the population a year after being detected in Spain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A survey questioned 309 users of the Valldoreix-Sant Cugat Healthcare Center about their knowledge of Aedes albopictus, the characteristics of bites by this insect, and their attitude to prevention and treatment.

RESULTS

Ninety one percent of respondents knew about the tiger mosquito. Sixty-one percent (66 % of women and 53 % of men) had reported suffering bites attributed to this insect. The most common type of bite was a small swelling (78 %) and the most common site was the legs (93 %). Children had a greater number of lesions and a more generalized distribution. Blistering lesions were more frequent in women. Itching was very intense (65 %), particularly in women (71 %) and children (76 %). The majority of patients (80 %) did not seek attention from their health care services and 36 % consulted their pharmacist. Fifty percent (61 % of women and 47 % of men) treated their bites, mainly with topical corticosteroids (56 %) and antihistaminics (26 %). Forty-six percent of respondents mainly children reported use of insect repellents.

CONCLUSION

The arrival of the Asian tiger mosquito has had a major impact on the population, with a lower quality of life and a deterioration in skin health, due to the numerous and irritating bites.