Originating from Southeast Asia, the Asian Tiger fly threatens citizens in both the Black Sea and Marmara regions. According to recent research, there are 198,000 mosquito breeding grounds in Istanbul alone, while experts are calling for precautions against the rapidly multiplying mosquito, especially in coastal areas. It is stated that the dangerous Asian species can bite even through clothing; the Asian Tiger fly, which causes diseases such as “yellow fever” and “dengue fever”, was first seen in Thrace in 2011.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE WHITE LINE!
The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has also been drawing attention to the danger with warnings for a while now. As the mosquito population increases in the summer months, people are looking for ways to identify which fly is the “Asian Tiger”. The statements made by the center describe the basic characteristics of the Asian Tiger Mosquito. It is stated that the most distinctive feature of the fly, which has white lines and spots on a black background, is a white line extending from its head to its back.
MORE ACTIVE DURING THE DAY
The Asian Tiger Mosquito is classified as a smaller species compared to other species with an average size of 2-10 mm. The fly, which is stated to be more active during the day compared to normal species, can live in all types of climates, whether temperate or tropical. AWhile the Asian Tiger Mosquito has put Turkey on alert, experts are also researching solutions. One of the institutions in Istanbul that undertakes this task is Boğaziçi University.
NATURE-FRIENDLY SOLUTIONS
Boğaziçi University Molecular Biology and Genetics Department Assistant Professor Necla Birgül İyison and her team are working to develop a “biopesticide” against the fly. The project aims to produce a long-term and environmentally friendly solution against the Asian Tiger mosquito species seen in Turkey, which can exhibit different characteristics in each region. The project titled “Investigation of Insecticide Action Mechanisms of Cry Toxins on the Asian Tiger Mosquito” aims to develop a toxin specific to the species in Turkey.
HOW WILL WE BE PROTECTED?
Infectious disease specialist Duran Tok, who made statements to Haber Global Web Özel about diseases transmitted by the Asian Tiger Mosquito, gave the following information: The Asian Tiger Mosquito is smaller than normal but can inject many viruses into humans. In fact, this fly does not directly harm humans; it only causes some allergic reactions. But the viruses it carries are extremely dangerous. Yellow fever, dengue virus, Zica virus are some of the viruses this fly carries.
“Just as some ticks kill people through the viruses they carry, there is a similar situation with the Asian Tiger Mosquito. Symptoms appear in people it infects, depending on the virus it carries. The most common ones are allergic reactions. We can experience redness in the bite area, high fever and chills. Puddles provide a suitable environment for these flies to multiply and spread.”
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