'Tiger mosquito' disease concerns
Mosquitoes from French overseas territories that have been known to carry tropical diseases are found in Marseille
RESIDENTS on the south-east coast are being advised to take preventative action to stop mosquitoes this summer, after a small number of tropical "tiger mosquitoes" were discovered in Marseille.
The creatures have been linked to the spread of tropical flu-like diseases in some of France's overseas territories.
Special traps have been operating since April in three departments - the Bouches-du-Rhône, Var and Alpes-Maritimes - allowing researchers to find out more about the potential health risk posed by the insects.
The studies so far have found a small number of the tiger mosquitoes in the 11th and 12th arrondissements of Marseille.
The creatures spread dengue fever and Chikungunya virus, two flu-like illnesses. The Paca regional health agency says there is a risk that a tiger-mosquito will bite someone infected with the virus and then pass it on to others.
Last year 25 people in the region fell ill from the fever after getting infected overseas.
Households in the three departments are being encouraged to take preventative steps to ward off mosquitoes, such as eliminating any stagnant water, where the mosquitoes like to lay their eggs.
