Research carried out by Brazilian scientists indicates that a species of mosquito which is more common as compared to the one that is primarily known for transmitting Zika virus might possibly have the ability to carry this virus. This is one development that can further complicate all the efforts for limiting the spread of Zika virus.
Aedes aegypti, the species of mosquito was identified to be the primary transmitter of Zika virus, which has been linked to numerous birth defects as the infections are spreading rapidly across Brazil as well as other countries in the Caribbean and Latin America.
However, the Brazilian scientists announced earlier this month that they have been able to detect the infection in another species, i.e. Culex quinquefasciatus, in their latest research on Zika virus. This has raised concerns that the Zika virus can be carried by any species which is more prevalent as compared to Aedes aegypti. The scientists believe more research is required to learn whether the species of Culex is able to transmit the Zika virus.
Authorities for public health have cited that the mosquito species Aedes aegypti is overwhelmingly responsible for the spread of Zika, with one more species of the exact same genus, Aedes albopictus, further transmitting this virus in fewer numbers.
Evidence has been found linking other mosquitoes to Zika. For instance, researchers came across over 20 species of mosquito that carry this virus in Africa, despite the fact that it is still unclear whether all of them transmit this disease to humans effectively.
The research in Brazil is yet to get published in any scientific journal or reviewed by other scientific peers in other countries.
According to the foundation, more work is required to determine whether the species of Culex in the wild is already carrying this virus and whether they are able to transmit the infections.
The researchers will now begin capturing the Culex species in areas around Recife, where this virus is primarily known to be circulating. More research might as well take as much as eight months to unfold.
If a species other than Aedes aegypti is found to be transmitting Zika virus in large amounts, it can make it considerably hard to contain the current outbreak of Zika virus which the WHO declared as a public health emergency globally last month.
Traces of the Zika virus have already been located in the tissue and bodily fluids of babies and mothers who are affected from microcephaly.
The Culex quinquefasciatus species has also been found to exist in the more temperate climates, including the southern US, an area where it is known for carrying the West Nile infection. Unlike the Aedes aegypti species, Culex quinquefasciatus can keep any virus circulating even during the cold months.
If the Culex species is proven to be transmitting the Zika virus, this would further complicate the given Zika issue the world is currently facing.
We at Southern Pest Control hope that this additional information helps keep you abreast of the Zika virus transmittal. If we can be of assistance with any pest problem, please call us at 800 527-9832.
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