A new invasive species of mosquito, The Aedes Scapularis, that has the potential to transfer diseases from animals to humans has been discovered in Florida.
This species was predominately found in South and Central America as well as the Caribbean island before becoming established in South Florida for the very first time according to a study published in the Journal Insects, part of the Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute.
This Mosquito is known to transmit pathogens and has possible public health implications for the Sunshine State according to scientists. It could present the dispersal and establishment of diseases from other countries into the U.S. according to studies.
Scientists are currently tracking the species in South Florida, at the very least 16 counties, to see how it will spread throughout the state as well as parts in Texas and along the Gulf Coast where the species has been predicted to be “highly suitable” to thrive in.
Recently in Brazil, the species have been found to be infected with various diseases such as the yellow fever virus and the Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis. Since the mosquito feeds on humans and animals, It can pose the possibility of a spillover event, which involves a virus overcoming barriers to become attainable in another species just like the COVID-19 pandemic that we are currently fighting in the U.S. where it was believed that this virus was reportedly transferred from bats to humans.
Recent studies also indicate that climate change also plays a factor in this developing species where as the global temperature warms, the geographical area where the mosquito can flourish might increase, creating a large territory where the disease can spread.
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