The tiger mosquito in a number of northern cities in Algeria caused widespread anxiety and alert among citizens and health institutions, which moved quickly to assess the spread and diagnosis of the phenomenon.
According to Algerian media, health centers have received more than 4,000 people and underwent medical tests for bites believed to be from the tiger mosquito.
Said Dr Chaouki Boubidi, an entomologist, said that the spread of the tiger mosquito in Algeria in recent times is an exceptional case due to the recent rainfall that made mosquitoes breed significantly due to the accumulation of stagnant water.
The specialist reported that the first appearance of mosquitoes in Algeria dates back to 2015 from Spain, Italy and France to spread across several northern cities.
The tiger mosquito is known for its sharp bite that causes redness, itching and swelling of its owners, as well as its ability to transmit the dengue virus, which is a deadly virus, as well as the chikungunya virus, which causes inflammation in the joints.
The Ministry of Health advised citizens to go to the nearest health center in case of disturbing symptoms.