- Authorities confirmed that the Asian tiger mosquito has reappeared in Michigan.
- Since 2018, no findings have been reported for the Asian tiger mosquito in Michigan.
- Health experts warned of the diseases transmitted by the Asian tiger mosquito in Michigan.
Three years after being seen in Michigan for the first time, the Asian tiger mosquito has been found again in Wayne County.
State health officials warned residents Friday of the discovery, as this type of invasive mosquito is known to transmit viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, MLive reported.
Those diseases can cause fever, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, and skin rashes. Dengue can also cause bleeding and low blood pressure, Newsweek detailed.
The insect was first seen in 2017 in an industrial area of Livonia. The following year, it was found at another industrial site, this time at Romulus.
Now, Wayne County health officials said the Asian tiger mosquito was identified in an industrial area in Taylor.
“These mosquitoes range from tropical to temperate regions of the world, including many parts of the United States,” health officials said in a press release. “It doesn’t happen naturally in Michigan, where winters are often too harsh to survive. However, global warming trends are supporting the spread of these mosquitoes in regions further north. ”
While diseases associated with Asian tiger mosquitoes have not been reported here, health officials mention that it is important to take precautions against this type of mosquito and others, which can spread diseases such as West Nile.
“We urge Michiganns to take precautions, such as using an EPA-registered insect repellent when they are outdoors,” said dr. Joneigh Khaldun, medical director and deputy director of health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
In southern Michigan, the Asian tiger mosquito, which can be identified by its white markings on its legs and body, has established itself in places in the Midwest such as Indiana, Ohio and parts of Illinois. Sometimes they travel in containers of commercially shipped products, which may be how the current batch arrived, authorities said.
The Asian tiger moquito (Aedes albopictus) resurfaces just a month and a half after the invasion of the so-called “killer hornets,” Newsweek said.
This summer, state and local health officials are partnering to conduct surveillance for mosquitoes that can transmit Zika and other tropical viruses.
According to MLive, to protect themselves from disease-carrying mosquitoes, health officials recommend:
* Eliminate standing water sources, such as children’s pools, old tires, buckets, and containers. And throw in the water to prevent mosquito eggs from hatching or larvae from becoming stinging adults.
* Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when outdoors.
* Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent according to label directions.
* Make sure doors and windows have tight screens.
–
