Tag

Aedes Aegypti

All articles tagged with #aedes aegypti

Cayman ramps up mosquito control with daytime aerial larviciding
local1 day ago

Cayman ramps up mosquito control with daytime aerial larviciding

With Cayman’s rainy season underway, the Mosquito Research and Control Unit is intensifying efforts, conducting island-wide daytime aerial larviciding to kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults, alongside surveillance and biological controls. Scientists identify 36 species on the islands, notably Aedes aegypti, which spreads dengue, Zika and chikungunya. Mosquito bites are more likely in people with higher body heat and carbon dioxide output, skin bacteria, or sweat chemistry, and ankles, wrists, and neck are common bite sites. Residents are urged to remove standing water and support integrated pest management, including Gambusia fish, to curb emergences.

Heat signals: mosquitoes use infrared warmth to find humans, study shows
science15 days ago

Heat signals: mosquitoes use infrared warmth to find humans, study shows

A UCSB-led study found infrared radiation from human skin temperatures doubles female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes’ host-seeking when combined with CO2 and human odor, revealing a new heat-detection cue that helps mosquitoes locate humans up to ~70 cm away. The mechanism likely involves heat-activated neurons on the mosquitoes’ antennae rather than visible-light receptors, with implications for improved traps and understanding disease transmission as climate change expands mosquito ranges.

LA's Sterile Mosquito Plan Faces a Funding Hurdle
environment2 months ago

LA's Sterile Mosquito Plan Faces a Funding Hurdle

Los Angeles County’s vector-control district is expanding the sterile insect technique to curb Aedes aegypti mosquitoes linked to dengue, releasing sterilized males and seeking to broaden the program beyond Sunland-Tujunga. The expansion hinges on a new funding mechanism—a up to $20 per year per single-family home via a property benefit assessment on top of the existing $18.97—despite only 47% of ballots supporting the increase and opposition from some business owners. Pilot releases in two Sunland-Tujunga neighborhoods cut the female mosquito population by about 82%, but officials say broader adoption requires more funds and public buy-in; a second ballot round is planned while production continues in the insectary and field releases.

Authorities Warn of Disease Spread Across US Region
health6 months ago

Authorities Warn of Disease Spread Across US Region

Authorities in California are concerned about the spread of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito, which can transmit diseases like dengue and Zika, as it expands across multiple counties, driven by climate change and urbanization. Efforts include increased surveillance and community participation to control its spread, highlighting the need for environmental action to address broader ecological impacts.

Invasive Mosquitoes Detected Across Santa Clara County
health1 year ago

Invasive Mosquitoes Detected Across Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County officials have identified the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito in six locations, including four in San Jose. Known for aggressive daytime biting, this mosquito can transmit diseases like dengue and Zika. The county urges residents to eliminate standing water and cooperate with inspections to prevent the mosquito from establishing a permanent presence. Efforts include larvicide spraying and public education on protective measures. The mosquito's spread is linked to climate change, and its presence is noted in 19 California counties.

"First West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitos Detected in Clark County"
health2 years ago

"First West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitos Detected in Clark County"

The Southern Nevada Health District has detected the first West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in Clark County, specifically in the 89031 and 89032 ZIP codes. The district urges residents to participate in the "Fight the Bite" campaign to reduce mosquito impact by eliminating standing water, taking precautions against bites, and reporting mosquito activity.

Santa Clara County Intensifies Efforts to Eradicate Dangerous Mosquitoes
public-health2 years ago

Santa Clara County Intensifies Efforts to Eradicate Dangerous Mosquitoes

Santa Clara County officials will spray an East San Jose neighborhood with a bacterial pesticide next week to eradicate invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which can carry diseases like Zika and dengue. The treatment targets mosquito larvae and is safe for humans and wildlife. The county plans multiple sprayings over the next few months to control the mosquito population, which poses a low but significant health risk. Residents are advised to eliminate standing water and use insect repellents to protect against bites.

"Invasive Disease-Spreading Mosquitoes Threaten California Communities"
health2 years ago

"Invasive Disease-Spreading Mosquitoes Threaten California Communities"

Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, capable of transmitting diseases like Zika and dengue, have been found in several California counties, including San Diego. The California Department of Health has been monitoring these mosquitoes as part of a statewide surveillance system. Additionally, limited local transmission of dengue virus has been reported in various California counties. Residents are advised to take precautions such as eliminating standing water, using insect repellent, and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.

Puerto Rico Declares Public Health Emergency Due to Rising Dengue Cases
public-health2 years ago

Puerto Rico Declares Public Health Emergency Due to Rising Dengue Cases

Puerto Rico's health department has declared a public health emergency due to a significant increase in dengue fever cases, with 549 reported so far this year. The emergency order will last for 90 days and includes measures such as early detection, surveillance, and educational outreach. Dengue, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, can cause mild symptoms in most cases, but severe cases can lead to organ damage and even death. The territory has a dengue vaccine available for children with a previous infection, and health officials are urging collaboration with municipalities to combat the spread of the virus.