Aedes albopictus in Europe: a new challenge for dermatologists

A patient is reported who was bitten by Aedes albopictus, commonly known as tiger mosquito. The biology of the insect, originally living in the forests of southeastern Asia, and its role in transmitting exotic infectious agents is discussed. Up to this day, only Albania and northern Italy have been colonized, but the biologic characteristics of the insect make its spreading all over Europe highly probable, unless serious attempts to eradicate it are quickly undertaken. Dermatologists should think of the tiger mosquito in the presence of painful, purpuric, large wheals and when patients report a history of multiple attack during daylight.