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New Mosquito Species Detected In Iowa Could Carry Zika Virus

Photo: James Gatheny, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(Ames, IA) -- Researchers at Iowa State University say a species of mosquito, never seen in Iowa, has been detected in three counties. Ryan Smith, Associate Professor of Entomology at Iowa State University says the Aedes albopictus species has been found in Polk, Lee, and Des Moines counties. He says it has been found in nearly 30-states,including Illinois and Missouri.

The concern about this particular species is that it is capable of transmitting several diseases, including the Zika, chikungunya and dengue viruses, which can all cause serious health problems in humans. Smith says, however, the disease are considered rare.

“For a long time, it was thought that these mosquitoes wouldn’t survive the winter here,” Smith said. “Our data show they’re here, and they seem to be spreading.”

Aedes albopictus mosquitoes originated from Japan and first showed up in the United States in 1985 in Texas.

Smith says the species is especially aggressive toward humans, and tends to prefer urban areas.

He notes there are more than 50-species of mosquitos in Iowa, most of which do not bother humans. He says, however, the Aedes albopictus, may be quite annoying. He says basic preventative measures such as using insect repellent will be a deterrent against getting bitten.


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