The Asian tiger mosquito, whose nasty bite causes much swelling and itching, is expected to be back in larger numbers this year after the wet winter created stagnant pools for the insect to breed in.
Insect expert David Mifsud says the mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water, while pools and puddles left behind by the winter rains provide them with more space to reproduce.
Now that the weather is becoming warmer, the mosquitoes will be breeding more frequently than in winter, when their life cycle slows down.
The mosquito, which migrated to Malta last year with goods and international travellers from south-east Asia, caused a surge in the summer of patients seeking medical attention and being prescribed antibiotics after scratching the bites causing an infection.
The head of the Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Unit, Tanya Melillo, says the tiger mosquito goes through different morphological changes starting as an egg, then larva, pupa and finally an adult insect.
Adults normally emerge between May and September which is why, so far, only about two mosquitoes have been sighted. The numbers will keep increasing throughout summer, however.
The mosquito bites develop swelling and itching on their victims, Dr Melillo said, pointing out that getting bitten does not give you immunity to the bite of the mosquito.
On a positive note, she says that although the mosquito could be a carrier of a number of diseases, such as dengue fever, this does not apply to the mosquitoes in Malta, where there aren’t these diseases.
The mosquito has to become infected with a virus itself by biting an infected human before it can spread a disease. “So far, no one on the island was infected with such diseases, she said.
“The fact that this mosquito has reached our shores, it will be next to impossible to eradicate it and, in fact we expect it will spread even more all over the island,” Dr Melillo said.
For advice regarding ways to eliminate the mosquito one can call the unit’s helpline 2132 4086.
Protect yourself
Remove pools or puddles of stagnant water where the mosquito can lay eggs.
Wear socks, shoes, long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time. Asian tiger mosquitoes are out and about during the daytime.
Make sure door and window screens fit tightly and use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
Fans are helpful as mosquitoes are weak fliers.