THE man in charge of the mosquito surveillance program in St George and Sutherland Shire says it is only a matter of time before the Asian tiger mosquito hitches a ride to Australia.
Medical entomologist Cameron Webb from Westmead Hospital and Sydney University said cheap international tourism and the movement of goods by sea freight was driving the spread of the bloodthirsty species.
The Asian tiger mosquito is estimated to have infected more than 500,000 people worldwide with mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and yellow fever.
It is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica, and is rife in Indonesia and Pacific nations.
"There are 300 species of mosquito in Australia, and some of those around the Georges River are great at spreading Ross River [virus] but not dengue," Dr Webb said.
"The Asian tiger mosquito drives outbreaks of dengue and loves cool climates."
Dr Webb said residents should eradicate mosquito breeding sites around the home such as containers, especially pot plant trays, that hold water.
Dr Webb helps run the NSW Arbovirus Surveillance and Vector Monitoring Program for NSW Health.
The program collects data from mosquito traps in 30 locations, including around the Georges River at Lugarno, Alfords Point and Illawong.
Salt marsh mosquito activity is greatest in January to April. King tides and periods of heavy rain can cause estuarine wetlands to swell, creating ideal breeding conditions.
The Asian tiger mosquito was linked a rare outbreak of dengue fever in Tokyo this month.
It was the first time since 1945 that there had been an outbreak in Japan.
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