(WINDSOR, ON) – An adult Aedes aegypti mosquito has been found in Windsor. Commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, the Aedes aegypti is responsible for the majority of human cases of Zika virus infections in the Caribbean, South America and Florida.
This is the first time that this specific type of mosquito has been captured in Canada. Last year, Aedes aegypti larvae were found in the region through enhanced mosquito surveillance.
The recent discovery of adult Aedes aegypti, along with last week’s discovery of the 2 adult Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, indicates that the Aedes species may be starting to become established in the region.
“We will continue to ensure that our community stays informed about infectious diseases and our local mosquito surveillance program,” said Dr Wajid Ahmed, the acting Medical Officer of Health at the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit. “The discovery of the adult Aedes aegypti mosquito is an important reminder that we should continue to protect ourselves and our families from mosquito bites. With these Aedes species found in the area, I urge residents to remove all standing water from their homes and work.”
These introduced Aedes mosquitoes can also cause Dengue fever and Chikungunya. Last year, collected larvae in the Windsor area were identified and reared, with a total of three adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes visually confirmed.
This year’s adult mosquito was also analyzed in a laboratory. All Aedes aegypti mosquitoes found have tested negative for Zika virus and West Nile virus.
Leave a Reply