SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — An exotic mosquito that can carry dangerous diseases has been identified in several California counties, including San Diego County.
The invasive Aedes aegypti, also known as the yellow fever mosquito, usually bites several times and is active during the day. They can transmit viruses such as Zika, dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya, according to the San Diego Vector Control Program.
The small black mosquito has distinctive white stripes on its legs and back.
The California Department of Health has been monitoring the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito throughout California for the past several years as part of a statewide vector-borne disease surveillance system.
The San Diego Vector-Based Virus Elimination Program map shows that invasive Aedes aegypti is found in all areas of San Diego County.
Across California, the following counties have reported the presence of invasive Aedes aegypti, but only a few counties in the state have both Aedes aegypti and Aedes aegypti (also known as the tiger mosquito).
Limited community transmission of the dengue virus occurs in California, typically from mosquitoes that bite people who have previously traveled to areas where the virus is endemic, according to the California Department of Health Services. .
The latest information on dengue fever infections in California from CDPH reports the number of cases by county as of April 1 and so far in 2024.
- Kings County — 1
- Napa — 1
- Riverside — 1
- San Francisco — 3
- San Mateo — 1
- Santa Cruz — 2
- Sonoma — 1
- Ventura — 2
- Yoro — 1
Elsewhere in the United States, CDC maps show Aedes aegypti throughout the southern half of the country, but less concentrated in the southwestern states of Arizona and New Mexico.
Invasive Aedes mosquitoes lay their eggs in small containers of water. In warm weather, mosquitoes can grow from eggs to adults within a week.
Tips to protect your home from Aedes aegypti — Dump or treat any standing water around your property, check door and window screens to ensure mosquitoes are not entering, wear long sleeves and pants, Use insect repellent.
To request testing or for any questions or advice, please contact the San Diego Vector Control Program at 858-694-2888 or Vector@sdcounty.ca.gov.
