Recent Expansion of Aedes albopictus and Factors Influencing its Beginning Invasion in North Africa: A Review

Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) are known or potential vectors to humans of several arboviruses. Albania was the first European country colonized by Ae. albopictus in 1979 which was dispersed after in the majority of European countries including the countries closest to the Maghreb. In Algeria, the identification of Ae. albopictus was carried out in 2010, 2014 and 2015. In Morocco, the detection of this mosquito in three breeding sites in the same province of Rabat in 2015 indicates the establishment of Ae. albopictus in the country. This new species will rapidly invade the other countries of northern Africa given the important aerial and maritime links with Southern Europe. The reinforcement of border surveillance is necessary to prevent onward transmission among the local population especially with the vectorial competence of this dangerous vector and the increase of imported arboviruses.