France, June 17 -- The tiger mosquito, known scientifically as Aedes albopictus, can transmit dengue, Zika and chikungunya. First detected in mainland France in 2004, it is now present across most of the country.

Public health authorities recorded an unprecedented 809 locally transmitted cases of chikungunya and 30 locally transmitted cases of dengue in France in 2025.

The same year also saw 2,398 imported chikungunya cases and 81 local transmission clusters.

One effort to reduce the insect's numbers is taking shape in Montpellier, where French startup Terratis breeds male mosquitoes before sterilising and releasing them.

Rising temperatures in Europe open door to spread of chikungunya virus Mosquitoes against mosquitoes

"After steri...