Argentina : Health authorities on alert for public health risks
Argentina is currently facing a concerning spread of the Aedes albifasciatus mosquito, whose harmful effects are affecting not only horses but also humans. With already 21 recorded human cases, Argentine health authorities have declared an epidemiological alert, underscoring the severity of the situation.
The symptoms of this disease range from headaches and fever to more serious complications such as meningitis and encephalitis, raising concerns about the possibility of severe neurological symptoms, including lethargy, neck stiffness, photophobia, dizziness, and, in the most critical cases, stupor and coma.
The fatality rate adds a concerning dimension to the spread of this disease, as Aedes albifasciatus is a formidable vector of Western equine encephalitis, a rare neurological disease that can, in the most severe cases, be transmitted to humans.
These mosquitoes prove to be formidable adversaries due to their invasive and aggressive behavior. They are active both day and night, capable of penetrating layers of clothing, resistant to repellents, and adaptable to various temperatures.
Aedes albifasciatus, also known as flood mosquitoes, have a peculiar characteristic with a simultaneous hatching of eggs, leading to a massive peak in the emergence of adults, thereby increasing the risk for the population.
