Disease-carrying mosquito found for the first time in Oregon

A species of mosquito commonly found in tropical regions was found in Oregon for the first time, the Oregon Health Authority said Thursday.

The mosquitos found in Jackson County were identified as Aedes aegypti by Jackson County Vector Control, which routinely monitors mosquito populations in the county.

The agency said 77 of the mosquitos have been found in traps throughout northwest Talent since late July.

What are Aedes aegypti mosquitos?

Aedes aegypti mosquitos are small and have a black and white pattern. They are believed to have originated in Africa and have been transported globally through trade and shipping. They are primarily found in temperate regions.

Aedes aegypti mosquitos prefer warm and wet weather. They typically live in or near homes or in neighboring woods. They are most active during the day and prefer to feed on humans.

What risk do Aedes aegypti mosquitos pose to humans?

Aedes aegypti mosquitos are known to carry several diseases, including Zika virus, yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya.

They become infected after biting a human with the virus and then spread it by biting other humans.

"Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are a concern in the United States because they can carry and transmit various diseases that can have serious health consequences," OHA state public health veterinarian Emilio DeBess said in a news release.

There have been no reports of anyone in Oregon becoming infected with a virus from an Aedes aegypti mosquito.

“The risk of these infections to local residents is low and depends on the presence or arrival of someone who is currently infected with one of these diseases after infection outside the U.S.,” DeBess said in the release.

How to reduce risk from mosquitos

Invasive Aedes aegypti mosquitos only need a quarter inch of water to breed.

Health officials advised people in Jackson County to reduce risk by eliminating any standing water, including flowerpot saucers, tires, kiddie pools, pet water bowls and buckets.

They advised people to dump or drain any standing water, remove objects that could hold water, repair leaky outdoor faucets, keep gutters clear and wear mosquito repellant.

“Discovery of Aedes aegypti underscores the importance of our mosquito trapping system," DeBess said in the release. “Tracking and monitoring the types of mosquitoes that exist in Oregon communities is critical. This, in turn, helps us identify potential public health implications and implement measures to reduce risk.”

Isabel Funk covers breaking news and public safety for the Statesman Journal. Funk can be reached at ifunk@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @isabeldfunk

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Disease-carrying mosquito found for the first time in Oregon