Mosquitoes as disease vectors: risk, surveillance, and prevention

Mosquito vectors are insects capable of transmitting pathogens (viruses, parasites) between humans or between animals and humans. They cause around 700,000 deaths per year worldwide.

Climate change is exacerbating this scenario by prolonging the mosquitoes’ period of activity and expanding the geographical areas conducive to their proliferation. In 2024, Europe saw a significant increase in autochthonous cases of dengue fever. In Portugal, too, some regions present a moderate entomological risk.

This infographic presents, in a clear and accessible way, the main diseases transmitted by mosquito vectors, the main vectors, the risk in Portugal, as well as prevention and control strategies (in Portuguese).

Participate in monitoring invasive mosquito species using the Mosquito Alert smartphone app: Play Store here and App Store here

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