Health Authority Launches Entomological Surveillance Protocol in Fuerteventura

Several adult specimens of Aedes albopictus have been found in a house in Las Casitas, Tuineje municipality.

Detection and Protocol Activation

The Health Department, through the General Directorate of Public Health of the Canary Health Service (SCS), re‑activated the entomological surveillance system after residents reported an adult Aedes albopictus captured in a home in Las Casitas.

• The protocol was triggered on Wednesday, 1 October following the receipt of a photo from a local resident.
• An initial inspection confirmed the presence of several adult mosquitoes of the species, but no additional adults, eggs, or larvae were found in the house or surrounding areas.
• The specimens were morphologically identified as Aedes albopictus at the Medical Entomology Laboratory of the University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health of the Canary Islands.

“The rapid identification of this invasive vector allowed us to implement the established control measures without delay,” said officials from the General Directorate of Public Health.

Immediate Control Measures

After confirming the vector’s presence, surveillance technicians installed:

• One BG‑Sentinel trap inside the affected dwelling.
• Several ovitraps to monitor egg laying.

The response involved the Fuerteventura Health Area Directorate, the Medical Entomology Laboratory of the University Institute of Tropical Diseases and Public Health (ULL), and the Tuineje Town Council.

Information Campaign for Health Professionals and Residents

• Health‑care workers in the regional network have been briefed on the risks associated with Aedes bites and on how to report vector sightings.
• Specific training on early recognition of vector‑borne disease symptoms has been provided.
• Residents of the neighbourhood have been advised to report any mosquito presence, breeding sites, or bites in their homes and gardens.

Citizen Collaboration

The public is encouraged to send photos of suspected Aedes mosquitoes or severe bite reactions to [email protected].

“Community participation is essential to maintain robust entomological surveillance and prevent further introductions,” the Health Department emphasized.

Preventive Measures to Stop Aedes Spread

The General Directorate of Public Health reiterates the following actions for households and public spaces:

• Eliminate standing water – even a bottle cap can become a breeding site.
• Use sand in plant saucers to prevent water accumulation; empty and clean saucers weekly.
• Avoid water‑holding containers such as pothos, bamboo, or money plants in water; transfer them to soil.
• Change water daily in flower vases and animal drinkers.
• Turn containers upside down (empty pots, bottles, buckets, watering cans) in gardens, patios, terraces, and balconies.
• Prevent waterlogging after irrigation or rain; keep outdoor areas clean and remove plant debris that can hold water.
• Cover water storage tanks and any rain‑water collection devices.
• Maintain pools with proper chlorination and daily circulation; empty pools with low water levels pose a high risk.
• Clean refrigerator drip trays and air‑conditioning units where water can accumulate.
• Keep external drains clear and ensure water does not stagnate.

Other Recent Episodes

• 2019, 2023, 2024: Aedes aegypti eradicated from Fuerteventura, La Palma, and the El Toscal neighbourhood (Santa Cruz de Tenerife).
• March 2025: Aedes albopictus episode closed in a greenhouse in Tacoronte.
• July 2025: Aedes albopictus eradicated in the Vuelta de los Pájaros neighbourhood, Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

Ongoing monitoring continues for:

• Aedes albopictus detections at Tenerife South Airport.
• Aedes aegypti detections at Santa Cruz de Tenerife port, Santa Catalina dock, and the Piletas neighbourhood in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria.