The mosquito species that transmits Zika virus — Aedes aegypti — was recently discovered in a Washington, D.C., neighborhood by University of Notre Dame (Ind.) researchers.
Even more troublesome, the researchers uncovered evidence that suggests the mosquito population has overwintered in the nation's capital for at least four years, allowing these insects to adapt to the northern climate of Washington, D.C. The climate of the District is well outside the species' normal climate range, according to Notre Dame Department of Biological Sciences professor David Severson, PhD.
"A real potential exists for active transmission of mosquito-borne tropical diseases in popular places like the National Mall," said Dr. Severson. "Hopefully, politicians will take notice of events like this in their own backyard and work to increase funding levels on mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases."
Despite the discovery of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, no cases of Zika have been reported in the District thus far.
To learn more about Zika virus, click here.
More articles on tropical diseases:
CDC cautions pregnant women against traveling to areas with known Zika cases
US becoming more susceptible to tropical diseases: 5 things to know
WHO publishes list of emerging diseases likely to cause major epidemics