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Invasive Mosquito Species Found in Pasadena

Eggs from the Aedes albopictus mosquito that can infect humans with viruses such as Zika, dengue and chikungunya have been found recently for the first time in monitoring traps in Pasadena, according to a statement from the Pasadena Public Health Department on Monday.
Health officials emphasized there are no reported cases of locally transmitted Zika or the other two viruses.
“It is important for the public to be aware of the presence of this mosquito, which is different than the local variety of the insect, and to take steps now to help protect yourself and your family against these mosquitoes,” PPHD Health Officer Dr. Ying-Ying Goh said.
“We are asking for the public’s help to take immediate action now in preventing the spread of this mosquito, such as eliminating all standing water sources on their property.”
More than a dozen mosquito egg traps have been placed throughout Pasadena by the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, four of which tested positive for eggs indicating the presence of the Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, commonly called the Asian tiger mosquito, a small, daytime-biting mosquito.
The vector control district will routinely test mosquito samples found in Pasadena and throughout the district.
Since 2016, there has been only one travel-associated case of laboratory-confirmed Zika virus infection in Pasadena, and no cases of locally acquired Zika reported. As of June 30, there were 573 such travel-associated Zika virus infections throughout all of California, but no cases of locally acquired Zika anywhere in the state, according to the California Department of Public Health. There also have been no West Nile Virus infections in Pasadena reported so far in 2017.
For information about the Aedes mosquito or to report possible sightings, contact the vector control district at (626) 814-9466 or sgvmosquito.org.

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