[Current status and eco-epidemiology of mosquito-borne arboviruses (Diptera: Culicidae) in Spain]

Rubén Bueno Marí1, Ricardo Jiménez Peydró

  • 1Laboratorio de Entomología y Control de Plagas, Instituto Cavanilles de Biodiversidad y Biología Evolutiva, Universitat de València-Estudi General, València, España. ruben.bueno@uv.es

Insights

Spain faces potential arbovirus outbreaks from mosquitoes. Common species like Aedes vexans can transmit West Nile virus, while invasive Aedes albopictus poses risks for Dengue and Chikungunya importation.

Area of Science:

  • Medical entomology
  • Arbovirology
  • Public health

Context:

  • Analysis of mosquito-borne arboviruses in Spain.
  • Assessment of faunistic, bioecological, and distributional data of culicids.
  • Identification of species capable of maintaining enzootic cycles versus bridge vectors.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the potential emergence/re-emergence of arboviruses in Spain.
  • To differentiate vector capabilities among Spanish mosquito species.
  • To assess risks posed by native and invasive mosquito species.

Summary:

  • Common anthropophilic mosquitoes (Aedes vexans, Culex modestus, Culex pipiens, Ochlerotatus caspius) can transmit West Nile and Usutu viruses.
  • The invasive Aedes albopictus (Asian Tiger Mosquito) increases risk for imported arboviruses like Dengue and Chikungunya.
  • Native species (Aedes vittatus, Ochlerotatus geniculatus) may transmit tropical arboviruses.

Impact:

  • Informs public health strategies for mosquito-borne disease prevention in Spain.
  • Highlights the role of invasive species in altering arbovirus transmission dynamics.
  • Provides data for targeted vector control and surveillance programs.