In Torrevieja recently there was a major alert as up to 300 patients attended health centres for the doctors to deal with mosquito bites.The reason for these swarms of mosquitos is being blamed on the standing water left after the heavy rains and then the warm conditions which came afterwards.The mosquito has a life cycle which is dependent on water .The larva lives in water even though it breathes air through a little tube.If this tube can be blocked in some way then the larva will not be able to survive and there will be no adult mosquito to bite someone.
One of the cases in Torrevieja was described as “very serious”,others were described as serious.Many had up to 20 bites on them.In fact they were being bitten through clothing.There has been a massive demand for treatment as the insects seemed particularly venomous.
Now extensive areas around Torrevieja are being sprayed in an effort to kill the larvae and also the adults,so alleviating the suffering of the locals.It is impossible to control large tracts of water but at least it is possible to ensure that all standing water around are homes are cleared ,even the smallest container of water can be a breeding ground.
