Invasive Asian tiger mosquito spotted again in Michigan

Michigan health officials have confirmed the detection of Aedes albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, in Wayne County. This is the fourth detection of the species in the state.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and Wayne County Health Department have identified the first known occurrence of the Asian tiger mosquito in the state in 2021. After the invasive species was first detected in Michigan in 2017, it was also found in 2018 and again in 2020, according to an official ad Wednesday.

Typically, the species lives in more tropical to temperate climates, the MDHHS noted, adding that Michigan’s winters are often “too harsh” for their survival. However, warming temperatures have allowed the species to move to more northerly regions. Additionally, Aedes albopictus is able to live in a wider temperature range and cooler temperatures than Aedes aegypti, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Noted.

According to the MDHHS, the species is already considered established in states such as Ohio, Indiana and Illinois.

“Sometimes mosquitoes will travel in commercial products shipped from the states where they are currently established,” the MDHHS said. “This is probably how mosquitoes have appeared in Wayne County in recent years.”

Globally, Aedes albopictus has also been reported in places like Albania, France, Germany, Lebanon, Israel and Switzerland, usually because of the movement of products such as tires and “lucky bamboo”.

Threat of mosquito-borne diseases

Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are daytime biters which are “unusually aggressive“Their eggs are also particularly drought tolerant, which is why they can survive even in urban settings. Among the diseases that the species can infect are dengue, chikungunya and Zika.

“Although we have not had any illnesses associated with these mosquito species in Michigan, it is important to take precautions as other mosquitoes can transmit viruses such as West Nile virus and equine encephalitis. ‘East to man,’ MDHHS head of emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, said Dr Mary Grace Stobierski, according to the press release.

“The recent heavy rains and flooding have resulted in a general increase in mosquito activity statewide, so we urge Michiganders to take precautions such as using an insect repellent registered by the EPA at the outside.”

As such, residents of the state are advised to clean up their areas of standing water where mosquito eggs can hatch, wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants to prevent bites, and stay away from home. ensure that their doors and windows have “tight fitting” screens. therefore mosquitoes will not be able to enter.

Ibiza island is overrun with Asian tiger mosquitoes after pools were left untreated during lockdown Photo: FotoshopTofs – Pixabay