The yellow fever mosquito has been discovered by officials in Jackson County, Oregon marking the first time this species has been found in the state.
Scientifically known as aedis aegypti mosquitoes , the Oregon Health Authority said that the mosquito can carry yellow fever, zika virus, chikungunya, dengue and more viruses. “The risk of these infections to local residents is low and depends on the presence or arrival of someone who is currently infected with one of these diseases after infection outside the U.S.,” Emilio DeBess, state public health veterinarian in the OHA’s Public Health Division, said in a news release.
As of right now there are no reports of any of these viruses being present in the area. “These mosquitoes are relatively small and have a black-and-white pattern due to the presence of white/silver scale patches against a black background on the legs and other parts of the body,” the release said.