Scientists in San Diego have raised an alarm about a dangerous invasive mosquito species discovered in several counties across California. The Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, is a vector of diseases like Zika, dengue, yellow fever, and chikungunya, according to San Diego’s Vector Control Program.
The mosquitoes are reportably small and black, easily identifiable for their distinctive white stripes on legs and back. The California Department of Health has been tracking the Aedes mosquitoes as part of its statewide vector-borne disease surveillance system.
The Department of Health reported that the presence of these mosquitoes are not just confined to San Diego, but have also spread to various parts of California. Some counties even reported existence of both Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (also known as the tiger mosquito). Isolated local transmission of dengue virus from mosquito bites has been seen among people who have previously traveled to areas where such viruses are common.
The mosquito population flourishes during warm periods as their life-cycle from egg to adult takes less than a week in such conditions. To prevent these insects from spreading, it’s important to keep water containers empty, check screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside the house, wear repellent and cover exposed skin with long clothes. Citizens of San Diego are encouraged to contact the San Diego Vector Control Program for any mosquito infestation, reporting or requesting inspections.
Vocabulary List:
- Invasive (adjective): Tending to spread prolifically and undesirably or harmfully.
- Vector (noun): An organismtypically a biting insect or tickthat transmits a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another.
- Surveillance (noun): Close observationespecially of a suspected spy or criminal.
- Transmission (noun): The action or process of transmitting something.
- Flourishes (verb): To develop in a healthy or vigorous wayespecially as the result of a particularly favorable environment.
- Infestation (noun): The presence of an unusually large number of insects or animals in one areatypically so as to cause damage or disease.
