Aedes Genus Mosquitoes, Which Can Carry Diseases Like The Zika Virus, Found During Kent County Mosquito Surveillance
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (September 7, 2023) – Two invasive species of the Aedes mosquito genus were detected in Kent County – Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti. For the past several years, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) has received grant funding from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to monitor for invasive mosquitoes that could potentially introduce new diseases to our community. While monitoring this summer, the KCHD has detected these mosquitoes in the City of Grand Rapids.
Since the discovery was made, the KCHD Environmental Health team has partnered with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), MDHHS, the property owner, and surrounding property owners to reduce the mosquito's habitat. These actions include, but are not limited to, treating the mosquito catch basins as well as reducing standing water near and around the site and on nearby properties.
"This discovery is why we perform routine mosquito surveillance in our community. It is important because it lets us monitor for specific mosquitoes that have the potential to carry viruses that could spread to humans,” said Paul Bellamy, Public Health Epidemiologist at KCHD. “This particular mosquito type is of concern to residents because they like to bite several times and bite all day, not just from dusk to dawn.”
Aedes genus mosquitoes typically live in tropical, subtropical, and temperate climates but can also live in a broader and cooler temperatures. Unlike the mosquitoes that typically carry West Nile Virus who bite between dusk to dawn, Aedes mosquitoes are aggressive day biters.
The Aedes genus can spread the dengue virus, chikungunya virus, yellow fever virus, and the Zika virus. People infected with one of these viruses may notice symptoms such as fever, rash, headache, nausea, joint pain, and eye symptoms such as conjunctivitis or pain, lasting only a few days. To determine the specific virus responsible for the infection, a blood test (specifically, an antibody test) is required. This test may need to be repeated two weeks later if at first negative.
Outbreaks of the chikungunya, dengue, and Zika virus outbreaks have occurred in the United States and territories, including Hawaii, Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.
The best way to prevent exposure to mosquito borne disease is prevention. The KCHD recommends residents follow these steps:
- using a mosquito repellent that contains 10 – 35% DEET while outside,
- wearing light colored clothing and long-sleeved shirts and pants,
- removing standing water from properties, by emptying other small containers and cleaning eaves, and
- using well maintained screens on doors and windows.
"We encourage residents to take precautionary measures to help protect themselves and their loved ones from disease,” concluded Bellamy.
Click here for more prevention tips and click here for more information on the Aedes genus mosquito.
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