Two weeks after DANA shook a large part of the Valencian Community and in the face of a new warning for heavy rains, rains alone are no longer a concern in the affected parts of the region. There are two other equally or more relevant threats. One is underground, where the sewer network is filled with mud. Another is in the air and in puddles. Where standing water accumulates, a risk lurks that has state and territorial governments taking action: a proliferation of mosquitoes.

After all, their bites aren’t just a nuisance to those exposed to them; They also make it easier for diseases to spread.

Mosquitoes behind the mud. DANA left behind a tragic toll of more than 200 deaths, destruction and economic losses; Even two weeks after the October 29 showers, it remains incalculable. The flood accumulated large amounts of mud, much of which was discharged into sewer networks. In Valencia, where the maximum temperature is around 20°C and even exceeds this temperature, the stagnant water added to the temperatures recorded these days also creates an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. Authorities know this and that is why they have sought the cooperation of citizens through an important tool: Mosquito Alert.

Purpose: gather information. In a statement published by Moncloa yesterday, the Ministry of Health and the Generalitat asked residents of DANA-affected areas to help “control the increase in mosquitoes” after the flood. Like? Through Mosquito Alert, an app that emerged precisely from citizen initiative, which has more than a decade of experience and, in the Government’s view, provides “an important tool in combating the proliferation of mosquitoes after floods”.

“Recent heavy rains have caused significant water accumulation in DANA-affected areas and created an environment conducive to mosquito breeding,” Moncloa states. “Therefore, given the possibility that city councils may become overloaded due to an increase in possible damage registrations, it is recommended that the app be used as a complementary way of collecting information in an agile and effective way.”

So how does it work? The tool is free and has a clear purpose: to “collect, centralize and share” information that helps authorities identify areas where mosquitoes breed. All with the help of citizens. The user only needs to download the app, take a photo of the mosquito he sees or provide information about its bite. Then you submit everything along with a form so experts can evaluate it. Among other things, the person using the app can know whether the insect that bit them is a disease-spreading species. You can also report breeding locations through the application.

The government statement also offers some suggestions to “avoid problems with mosquitoes and other insects or rodents”: Eliminate stagnant water, dispose of garbage in sealed bags in containers, store food in clean places, use mosquito nets and protect the environment. Protect yourself from bites with clothing that covers your arms and legs or with special repellents.

fumigation plan. Mosquito Alert is not the only trump card governments have. The Generalitat of Valencia launched a spraying plan in DANA-hit towns with the same goal: “Combat the proliferation of mosquitoes after the recent rains and ensure the health and well-being of the population.” Following the study in which Tragsa and expert companies evaluated the priority areas, fumigation works were started in Massanassa, Paiporta and Aldaia.

As soon as the rain stops, the spraying efforts will be expanded to “other neighborhoods that are subject to mosquito infestation due to stagnant water and mud caused by the flood.” The program is controlled by the Generalitat Directorate General of Public Health, which has already approved the necessary protocols and products, as announced by the regional government.

Are these the first measures? No. Other measures have also been taken over the last few days to prevent mud and stagnant water caused by DANA from creating a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The municipalities of Castellón or Valencia also took action to disinfect, disinfect and disinfect municipalities affected by heavy rains and floods.

“As the Provincial Mosquito Control Service, we have strengthened mosquito treatment from the first moment and continue to do so, especially in the Marjalería areas of the coastal municipalities, due to the rains recorded recently,” said a statement from the Castellón agency a few days ago. .

Municipal councils also started to work; Spraying work in municipal councils in l’Horta or La Ribera was penalized by DANA. Daily Levante-EM He states that in Benetússer they check fountains, ponds and sewers, and also carry out preventive treatments for mosquitoes and larvae. “Currently these are within normal limits,” explains Juan Carlos Vendrell of the specialist company Biottec. “We are investigating and have used larvicides to control the breeding of insects.”

“Epidemics may occur”. The danger of mosquitoes and standing water is not new. Two weeks ago, shortly after the first DANA, José María Martín-Moreno, doctor of Epidemiology and Public Health from Harvard University and professor of Preventive Medicine and Public Health at the University of Valencia, already issued a warning during an interview with elDiario.es . . “It is known from previous experience that if stagnant water is not removed as soon as possible, disease outbreaks transmitted by mosquitoes that proliferate in these environments may occur.”

The expert also reminded that contaminated water and mud provide “an ideal environment for the proliferation of vectors, especially mosquitoes and cockroaches, rodents and microorganisms that can cause infections in humans.” He wasn’t the only one pointing in that direction. Dolores Bargues, professor of Parasitology at the University of Valencia, emphasized the importance of fumigation after DANA.

Pictures | Castellón County Council and Syed Ali (Unsplash)

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