Campaign to stop tiger mosquitoes

A NEW preventative campaign aimed at stopping the spread of tiger mosquitoes in France has been launched.

Health authorities are urging property owners to carry out basic checks around their home for stagnant water, where the creatures like to breed.

The tiger mosquito has been present in France since at least 1999 and is linked to diseases such as dengue fever and chikungunya. It causes several days of fever, which are followed by a period of joint pain that may last weeks or months.

Experts believe the tiger mosquito is already present in 17 southern departments - and the beginning of May marks the start of the annual campaign to attempt to eradicate them.

Travellers are also being advised to protect themselves from bites when in countries where tiger mosquitoes are particularly prevalent, and seek immediate medical advice if they believe they have been bitten.