Invasive mosquitoes discovered in Bay Area can transmit Zika, dengue, and yellow fever

The Brief

  • The invasive species was discovered in Livermore earlier this month.
  • This type of mosquito is aggressive during the daytime and tends to target ankles.
  • The Aedes aegypti mosquito can transmit dengue, Zika and yellow fever.

LIVERMORE, Calif. An invasive species of mosquito was discovered in Alameda County earlier this month. Officials say the Aedes aegypti mosquitoes were found in Livermore on August 8 and that they can transmit dengue, Zika and yellow fever.

Invasive species

What we know:

The Alameda County Mosquito Abatement District confirmed the mosquitoes’ presence, saying this marks the first detection of the species in the city. The district issued a news release about the mosquitoes on Monday and said they are working with city officials and volunteer groups to inform residents and to inspect properties.

District staff are going door-to-door in two detection zones to inspect and treat potential mosquito breeding sites. They are also conducting what they call “intensive follow-up trappings.”

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