GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Two invasive mosquito species known to carry Zika virus – among other diseases – have been detected in Kent County.
The Kent County Health Department (KCHD) found mosquitoes belonging to the Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti species during mosquito surveillance in Grand Rapids this summer, county officials say.
Following the discovery, we’re told the Environmental Health team joined the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) in minimizing the mosquitoes’ habitat by treating catch basins, eliminating standing water and other strategies.
"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,” says KCHD Public Health Epidemiologist Paul Bellamy. “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.”
We’re told these particular mosquitoes differ from species carrying West Nile virus, as Aedes mosquitoes tend to be more aggressive.
Other viruses known to be carried by the Aedes genus include yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya, according to the Kent County government. Symptoms of infection from all these viruses – and Zika – include rash, fever, joint pain, nausea, headache and eye pain. An antibody test is required to determine which virus is responsible.
Community members are advised to take the following precautions against mosquito-borne illnesses:
- Apply repellent with 10–35% DEET when spending time outside.
- Wear lightly colored clothing that covers the arms and legs.
- Empty out all standing water around the home.
- Ensure all doors and windows are outfitted with intact screens.
MI Mosquito Control Tip Toss by WXMI on Scribd
Visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information on the newly detected species.
READ MORE: Kent County mosquito pool tests positive for West Nile virus
