The Asian tiger mosquito
On Oct. 7 and 8, GLACVCD discovered Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) in the cities of Commerce and Pico Rivera, respectively.
“This is the latest in a series of identified mosquito introductions into the Southland,” said Levy Sun, public information officer for GLACVCD. In just three years, three new invasive Aedes species mosquitoes have been found in Los Angeles County:
• Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) A native of Southeast Asia, this species was first identified in El Monte and South El Monte in September 2011. Since then, this mosquito has spread to 10 neighboring cities despite aggressive measures to eradicate the population.
• Aedes notoscriptus (Australian backyard mosquito) A native of Australia, this mosquito was found in two neighborhoods in Montebello and Monterey Park this summer.
• Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito) A tropical and subtropical species now found worldwide was first identified in California’s central valley and central coast in June of 2013, and last week in Los Angeles County.
Sun said it is difficult to determine the origins of these Aedes introductions into California, but transport of dormant eggs, via imported tires and plants, have been associated with introductions of these mosquito species in the past. In addition, individuals moving materials via planes, ships, cars, or other vehicles from infested areas to non-infested areas may also facilitate spread. Vector control officials are concerned about this rapid change in the public health landscape in Los Angeles County, according to GLACVCD.
All three mosquitoes are aggressive day-biting mosquitoes that thrive in urban environments because they prefer to lay eggs in small man-made containers that hold water. The adults are approximately one-quarter-inch long and have distinctive black-and-white stripes across the body and legs.
The Asian tiger mosquito and the yellow fever mosquito are both capable of transmitting dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever viruses. The Australian backyard mosquito can transmit canine heartworm and is the primary vector for Barmah Forest and Ross River viruses in Australia.
“While these debilitating viruses, so far, aren’t locally transmitted in L.A. County, the mosquitoes that can transmit them are now here,” said Susanne Kluh, director of Scientific-Technical Services. “Infected travelers can bring these viruses to Los Angeles County.”
The districts are working with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, which tracks imported human cases. Vector control specialists use this information to promptly reduce the risk of local disease transmission.
“Both agencies have specialized teams that target these invasive species,” said Jason Farned, public information officer at SGVMVCD. “We’re aggressively attacking the populations wherever we find them.”
Residents who spot these mosquitoes are urged to report them at reportmosquitoes.org .
More Information
glacvcd.org
