“It is an uncommon and abnormal situation that has been occurring for a week,” said Nuno Rodrigues, the Public Health coordinator of the Oeste Local Unit.
Public health authorities have collected samples of the mosquito and sent them to the Centro de Estudos de Vetores e Doenças Infeciosas Doutor Francisco Cambournac of the Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge for species identification.
“One hypothesis based on the reported features is the ‘Aedes caspius’ mosquito, a species associated with stagnant natural waters, often brackish or saline,” the official stated.
According to the health delegate, “the species is highly aggressive, more active at dusk and (…) capable of causing significant inconvenience to the population.”
Authorities are also identifying “natural breeding sites to eliminate them and stop the spread.”
The Public Health coordinator in the Oeste region explained that the insects reproduce in stagnant water lines, such as wastewater stations, rivers, lagoons, pools, and operate within a one-kilometer radius.
Authorities intend to advance with an action plan through drainage measures or controlled water management and the application of biological larvicides and other insect growth regulators used on mosquitoes in the larval (aquatic) stage, where control is more effective and environmentally acceptable.
If the measures prove ineffective, the spraying of sites to control adult mosquitoes may be considered, potentially requiring exceptional authorization from the Direção Geral da Saúde.
The Oeste Local Health Unit and Torres Vedras Civil Protection warn the population to avoid prolonged outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity periods, at dusk and dawn.
During these times, people should wear loose and light-colored clothing covering arms and legs and apply insect repellent to exposed skin.
It is advised to eliminate or treat water accumulation points, such as plant saucers, tires, or kiddie pools, monitor irrigation points and temporary ponds in agricultural areas to reduce stagnant water areas, as well as to install mosquito nets on beds, cribs, and windows, and maintain gutters, drains, and septic systems clean.
