The Oregon Health Authority, Jackson County Vector Control and Jackson County Public Health have confirmed the identification of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in the Rogue Valley -- the first time the mosquito species has been found in Oregon.
Jackson County Vector Control identified the Aedes aegypti mosquito as part of its routine surveillance program, which monitors different mosquito populations in the county and tests for diseases such as West Nile virus and Western equine encephalitis that are common to the Culex mosquito genus.
Mosquito surveillance provides Vector Control the ability to determine human risk and implement strategies to control these insects and prevent the spread of disease.
Adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are relatively small and have a black-and-white pattern due to the presence of white/silver scale patches against black background on the legs and other parts of the body. This species of mosquito most likely originated in Africa and have been transported globally to other parts of the world.
Emilio DeBess, state public veterinarian based at OHA's Public Health Division, said Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are a concern in the United States because they can carry and transmit various diseases that can have serious health consequences such as Zika virus, chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever.
DeBess said the mosquitoes became infected when they bit and fed on someone who is currently infected with one of these diseases after infection outside the US. He added that there have been no reports of anyone having acquired viruses from these mosquitoes within Oregon.
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes need only a quarter-inch of water to complete their life cycle. The key to preventing these mosquitoes from becoming an established vector in Southern Oregon is to eliminate standing water, even small amounts, and moisture from yards and gardens. Common mosquito breeding sources include flowerpot saucers, tires, kiddie pools, rooted plants in water, and pet water bowls.
