Key Takeaways:
– Highly aggressive Aedes aegypti mosquitos discovered again near a San Jose cemetery.
– These mosquitoes are known for transmitting dengue, yellow fever, and other severe diseases.
– Authorities urge residents to remove standing water and allow access for pest control crews.
– Residents also asked to scour their properties for any amount of standing water to mitigate breeding opportunities.
– Two Aedes aegypti mosquitos found near Oak Hill Memorial Park prompting a thorough eradication plan.
Threat Posed by Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes
A resurgence of highly aggressive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes has been reported in Santa Clara County, with recent sightings close to a San Jose cemetery. These invasive mosquitoes pose a significant threat due to their ability to transmit dengue, yellow fever, and other serious diseases. Unlike native California mosquitos, Aedes aegypti feeds on humans throughout the day, making them a potential menace.
According to the county, these insects feed almost exclusively on humans and do not travel far. This behavior, coupled with their daytime feeding habits, puts residents at high risk. While most native mosquitos are most active in cooler morning and evening times, Aedes aegypti bite at any time.
Ankle Biters: The Nuisance of Aedes Aegypti
Known as ‘ankle biters’, the female Aedes aegypti frequently bite around the ankles. One mosquito can feed on a person multiple times, both outdoors and indoors, adding to their potential nuisance value. Even in small numbers, this aggressive species can disrupt daily life.
Rediscovery History in California
Santa Clara County first saw the presence of this black-and-white striped mosquito in 2022. Since then, the numbers have been on the rise in several neighborhoods in San Jose, Santa Clara, and Gilroy. The county is trying to curb the population through pesticides.
Aedes aegypti infestations have also been recorded in Contra Costa County, Santa Cruz County, and Solano County, where it has established a more permanent presence. Despite their past presence in San Mateo County and Alameda County, they are no longer an established problem in these areas.
Potential Health Threats
These troublesome insects are known for transmitting dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. However, to date, incidents of disease transmission have been relatively low within the state. Only a few cases of dengue were reported in Los Angeles County, according to the state public health department.
Given the global warming scenario, hospitals like Cedars Sinai highlight the likelihood of disease-carrying mosquitos expanding their reach.
Breeding Habits of Aedes aegypti
Notably, these insects invade new territories via transportation of containers housing their eggs. They are ‘container breeders’ that lay eggs in stagnant water bodies or on water-based plant stems. Alarmingly, these eggs can survive for a year, even when dried, hatching once again when they come into contact with water. Their ability to lay eggs in a tiny container like a bottle cap illustrates their breeding adaptability.
Public’s Role in Mosquito Control
As per Santa Clara County officials, public cooperation is crucial in curbing this mosquito outbreak. They are urging residents to eliminate standing water and facilitate access for pest control crews.
The county also recommends cleaning and scrubbing bird baths, pet dishes, and other containers to remove any lingering Aedes aegypti eggs. To further restrict mosquito breeding, residents can screen rain barrels, cisterns, and irrigation drains with fine mesh, alongside fixing leaky outdoor faucets and mending broken sprinkler heads.
Upon discovering two Aedes aegypti mosquitos near Oak Hill Memorial Park, a cemetery south of San Jose, the county announced a rigorous extermination plan. This includes trapping adult mosquitos, inspecting properties for mosquito larvae, and using pesticide treatments where needed.
In conclusion, the county officials are seeking public cooperation and vigilance to prevent the spread of this dangerous mosquito species in Santa Clara County.