With the aim of combating mosquitoes with intensive sampling and control actions, the new three-year project (2023-2025) of the Region of Crete is being implemented.

The program uses specialized equipment, which includes, among others, nine spraying vehicles, two drones, as well as an amphibious vehicle. Also, for 2023 throughout the works, more than 1,000 larval samplings are carried out each week in 5,000 potentially recorded mosquito breeding sites and approximately 1,000 km of canals and streams as well as 30,000 wells in the peri-urban fabric.

“We also signed programming contract with the ITE which focuses on the entomological study to monitor the molecular composition and dynamics of mosquito populations, resistance and the risk of developing resistance to insecticidal drugs as well as mosquito-borne diseases,” Deputy Regional Governor Mr. Nikos Syrigonakis tells Cretalive.

“The goal of the project is on the one hand to protect public health from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and on the other hand to limit the nuisance caused by them, something that can negatively affect the tourism product of Crete” Mr. Antonis Papadakis, Supervisor, points out to Cretalive of Public Health and Coordinator of the District’s Mosquito Control Program.

Alert to the Ministry of Health for cases of West Nile and Dengue fever

The Ministry of Health sent a circular to all the competent agencies on the subject of the immediate organization of the state mechanism to combat mosquitoes.

It is a reminder that mosquito sprays should be carried out by April at the latest (depending on weather conditions), as the drugs target the larvae.

The aim of the Ministry of Health is to avoid outbreaks of epidemic phenomena caused by mosquitoes, whose bites can transmit the viruses that cause Dengue fever, Zika and Chikungunya (Chikungunya).

What has caused alarm in the Ministry of Health, are firstly the increased cases of West Nile last year in our country and secondly the risk of introducing other mosquito-borne viruses.

The Egyptian mosquito and the tiger mosquito are dangerous

In addition, invasive species such as the tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) and the Egyptian mosquito Aedes aegypti caused 40 cases in France last year, while Aedes aegypti has also been detected in Cyprus.

The Egyptian mosquito (or yellow fever mosquito) was previously found in many European countries and in the Mediterranean, while in recent years it has reappeared in the areas between Georgia and Turkey, in the Madeira Islands (Portugal) and the Canary Islands (Spain). .

Hence, the risk of introduction of the species Aedes aegypti, which can transmit Dengue, Zika and Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya to humans, “makes it imperative to take measures to monitor and control this mosquito genus as well, with special attention and enhanced surveillance in areas that are potential entry points for the Aedes aegypti mosquito’is underlined in the circular.

Mosquitoes can easily be transported from country to country, as they remain for days inside airplanes and ships.

Aedes aegypti is distinguished by white stripes on the legs and a lyre-like mark on the chest.

Measures at the entry gates of Crete

“Targeted spraying is done in areas where we encounter stagnant water, in coastal areas, in rivers and streams and in some of these cases, due to the impassability of the area, drones are used. On the positive side, the reduced rainfall seen during the winter season means that there are not many standing water spots that help mosquitoes breed. Nevertheless, we are on alert because we have information from the EODY about Dengue fever. Particular importance is given to the entrance gates of the island, to ports, airports and the KTEL bus” emphasizes Mr. Syrigonakis.

The Contact Phone where citizens can report any problem regarding the presence of mosquitoes is 8001124424.