Costa Blanca residents asked to help track disease-carrying mosquitoes using mobile app

Residents across the Costa Blanca are being encouraged to help track mosquitoes using the Mosquito Alert app, as health authorities strengthen monitoring of species capable of transmitting disease.

The Ministry of Health is asking people to send photographs of mosquitoes, report possible breeding sites and record bites through the citizen science app. Observations submitted by members of the public are reviewed by specialists and used alongside official monitoring systems.

Anyone can participate, making it possible for residents to contribute useful information about mosquito activity simply by reporting what they see in their local area.

Tiger mosquitoes already established on Mediterranean coast

The scheme is particularly relevant to the Mediterranean coast, where the tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus, is already established.

Monitoring mosquitoes is important because some species can transmit diseases including chikungunya, dengue and West Nile virus.

Spain had recorded 108 imported cases of chikungunya by July 19, compared with 37 during the same period last year. However, there have been no locally transmitted cases in Spain this year.

There were also 124 imported dengue cases, although again no locally transmitted cases have been reported during 2026.

The distinction means the infections were contracted outside Spain rather than through mosquito transmission within the country.

West Nile virus monitored in Alicante

West Nile virus is also being monitored by health authorities.

By July 22, one human case had been confirmed in Alicante province, alongside two in Sevilla.

The monitoring programme allows authorities and researchers to build a clearer picture of where different mosquito species are appearing and identify potential changes in their distribution.

Public reports can also help specialists locate possible breeding areas and detect invasive species in places where they have not previously been recorded.

Residents can submit mosquito sightings

Mosquito Alert has been running since 2014 and has helped identify invasive mosquitoes in almost 500 Spanish municipalities.

It has contributed to 32 per cent of the first recorded detections of invasive mosquitoes in Spain, demonstrating how information submitted by members of the public can complement official surveillance.

Anyone can participate simply by using the app to submit sightings and possible breeding locations, as well as reports of mosquito bites.

Photographs sent through the platform are checked by specialists before being added to the wider monitoring system.

With mosquito activity particularly noticeable during the warmer months, Costa Blanca residents are being encouraged to take part and help provide researchers with more information about the insects appearing across the region.

For more information about the app and how to participate, visit mosquitoalert.com.