Iowa State University said that for the first time in three counties in Iowa, invading mosquitoes survived the winter and allowed colonization within the state. A mosquito surveillance activity led by an entomologist at Iowa State University has uncovered an invading mosquito known as Aedes albopictus. In the counties of Lee, Des Moines, and Pork, the harsh winters of Iowa were thought to prevent them from creating permanent homes in Iowa, an associate professor of entomology and director of the ISU Institute for Medical Entomology. Ryan Smith said. “For a long time it was thought that these mosquitoes couldn’t survive the winter here,” Smith said. “Our data show that they are here and they seem to be widespread.” The ISU reports that invasive mosquitoes first appeared in the United States in Texas in 1985. .. It is a competent vector of Zika virus, Chikungunya fever, and dengue fever virus, all of which can cause serious health problems in humans. Mr Smith said Iowa should be aware that the species appears to have settled in parts of the state, but the presence of the species should not cause panic. “Note that they are here, and that they can spread,” Smith said. “Watch out for neglected substances that can lay eggs in the garden,” Smith said, saying that Iowa may be able to notice Aedes albopictus with the naked eye. This species has a unique white racing stripe on its back to help distinguish it from other species common in the state. They tend to be most active at the end of summer. Smith says the species seems to have settled in only three counties, but that number is likely to increase in the coming years. The ISU said mosquito research is possible in close collaboration with the Iowa Public Health Service and public health partners in several regions throughout the state. Other headings:
Iowa State University said invading mosquitoes survived the winter in three counties in Iowa, allowing them to settle in the state.
Mosquito surveillance, led by an insectologist at Iowa State University, has uncovered an invading mosquito known as Aedes albopictus in the counties of Lee, Des Moines, and Pork.
The harsh winters of Iowa were thought to prevent this species from creating permanent dwellings in Iowa, said Ryan, an associate professor of entomology and director of the ISU Institute of Medical Entomology. Smith said.
“For a long time it was thought that these mosquitoes couldn’t survive the winter here,” Smith said. “Our data show that they are here and they seem to be widespread.”
The ISU reports that invasive mosquitoes first appeared in the United States in Texas in 1985.
According to Smith, Aedes albopictus does not spread the West Nile virus, but it is a potential vector of the Zika virus, Chikungunya fever, and dengue virus, all of which can cause serious health problems for humans. Mr Smith said Iowa should be aware that the species appears to have settled in parts of the state, but the presence of the species should not cause panic.
“Note that they are here, and that they can spread,” Smith said. “Pay attention to the neglected material in the garden that may allow them to lay eggs.”
Mr Smith said Iowa may be able to notice Aedes albopictus with the naked eye. This species has a unique white racing stripe on its back to help distinguish it from other species common in the state. They tend to be most active at the end of summer.
According to Smith, the species appears to be established in only three counties, but the numbers are likely to increase over the next few years.
“It’s unclear exactly how fast and in which county it will expand, but it’s an issue we’re still following,” he said.
The ISU said mosquito research is possible through close collaboration with the Iowa Public Health Service and public health partners in several regions throughout the state.
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