Asian Tiger Mosquito Found In Jamaica

May 14, 2018 JA-Blogz News Team

Health authorities have revealed the presence of a new mosquito species on the island.

The Asian tiger mosquito or aedes albopictus is native to the tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia; but in the past few decades, this species has spread to many countries via the transport of goods and international travel.

It’s physical features include black-and-white-striped legs, and a small black-and-white-striped body.

It is regarded as an epidemiologically important vector for the transmission of many viral pathogens, including the yellow fever virus, dengue fever, and Chikungunya fever.

The Asian tiger mosquito is also capable of hosting the Zika virus and is considered a potential vector for Zika transmission among humans.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has already urged the region to prepare for the possibility of a major outbreak of dengue fever this year.

By James Gathany, CDC – This media comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention‘s Public Health Image Library (PHIL), with identification number #2165. Public Domain, Link

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