Meet the Asian tiger mosquito.
While the name may sound funny, the black and white stripped pest is no laughing matter. The mosquito’s name is said to have derived from its aggressive nature and physical appearance.
This species of mosquitos is not new to the U.S. but has recently been making headlines as it can transmit up to 20 diseases, according to the CDC. Some of these diseases include West Nile fever, dengue fever, yellow fever and two types of encephalitis. The Wall Street Journal reported back in 2011 that the mosquito was brought over to the States via a shipment of tires to the state of Texas and has since spread to 26 states.
These pesky little mosquitos have been quick and hard to kill. According to Cornell University’s newspaper, the invasion is being predicted based on the temperature, as the warmer weather allows them to breed faster and numbers to grow quickly.
A new Cornell University computer model also predicts that outbreaks of Chikungunya, which has no cure, could occur in 2013 in New York City during August and September, in Atlanta June through September while remaining year-round in Miami. Some Chikungunya symptoms include fever, severe joint pain, achiness, headache, nausea and fatigue, as well as severe pain in the small joints of the hands and feet.
Experts are advising individuals to remove any standing water from areas around the home especially where kids play and if you are around water, wear long sleeves and pants while using insect repellant.
