Locations
Technical Committee on Health
Mapping risk for Aedes invasive mosquito spread (ID-AIM)
Objectives
The objective of this action, as described by the Technical Committee on Health, is to:
- Carry out an island-wide survey for native and invasive mosquito vectors through 2023 in regions at higher risk for disease transmission;
- Store the specimen for use through the continuation of the Action to evaluate for diseases related to invasive mosquito species (i.e. dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika);
- Establishment of early warning systems on the presence of invasive Aedes species throughout the island and pave the way for island-wide integrated management of these species;
- Capacity building and training of the experts and public with regard to Aedes invasive species.
During the the first phase of the Support Facility to Technical Committees, the Technical Committee on Health implemented the 'Identification and distribution of vectors of medical importance in Cyprus (ID-VEC)', which established an entomological surveillance system island-wide (2020-2021). This action was followed by the 'Mapping risk for vector-borne diseases (ID-VRisk)' which established the methods to survey for viruses as well, using WNV as a model virus (2021-2022). During the ID-VRisk implementation Aedes aegypti, the most dangerous invasive mosquito species, was identified for the first time on the island. This finding emphasised the need to maintain island-wide surveillance, as this is the only tool that can act as an early warning system to reduce the risk of an epidemic. The establishment of a surveillance mechanism was the focus of phase of the action.
Results
The discovery of Aedes aegypti in the previous project (ID-VRisk) proved the immediate need for cooperation among the two communities in Cyprus.
Aedes aegypti is the primary transmitter of the four viruses that have had the greatest impact on human health, the viruses causing yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika fever. Identifying this species at an early stage has been crucial as this new finding of the Aedes aegypti is a major concern for both communities and has the potential to impact entire regions of Cyprus.
During this phase of the action, members of the Technical Committee on Health were in close contact and collaboration. Their dedicated work resulted in the formation of technical teams to conduct surveillance and analysis and established an island-wide surveillance mechanism to track the invasive species.
To identify high-risk zones for Aedes Invasive Mosquitos and to prevent mosquito spread, the technical team started by identifying and selecting sampling sites to place ovitraps across the island. The selected locations were areas with high population density and frequent transportation activity. These included crossing points, bus terminals, industrial zones, waste management centers, open markets, hotels, hospitals, and academic institutions.
The field work for the selection of sampling sites started in October 2023.
The ovitraps surveillance system is a valuable tool for monitoring the population dynamics and spatial distribution of mosquito vectors and can aid in developing effective disease prevention and control strategies. The technical team has developed a protocol for the evaluation of the ovitraps substrates consisting of five main steps:
Keeping the collected eggs wet;
Counting eggs on each substrate;
Applying the hatching protocol;
storage of the substrates; and
disposal of substrates.
The protocol is available in English, and it can be downloaded below.
To ensure widespread awareness about Aedes Invasive Mosquitoes and explain how people can protect themselves, the project produced a trifold brochure explaining what Aedes Invasive Mosquitos are; why they are invasive; how they move from one region to the other; how far they can fly; how they look; as well as, information on how someone can protect themselves. Similarly, the project has also produced an animated video on spreading awareness on the prevention of mosquito spread. The informational brochure as well as the animated video were produced in three languages, and they have been distributed widely during info sessions, trainings and other events that brought together more than 100 health professionals from across the island.
All findings of ID-AIM proof the need for island-wide surveillance to be maintained as the only tool that can act as an early warning system to reduce the risk of an epidemic. A common action plan for constraining the spread of Aedes Invasive Mosquitoes should be prepared and implemented island-wide.
