Aggressive mosquito breed spreads in Oregon
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- An aggressive breed of mosquito found in the Portland metro area about five years ago is spreading, boosting the risk of spreading disease along with it.
The Oregonian reports the species commonly called the rock pool mosquito is native to Asia.
Most mosquito breeds feed during the night, after dusk and before dawn. But the rock pool breed will bite all day.
They're also believed to be efficient carriers of diseases like dengue fever, West Nile virus and encephalitis.
Health officials say they haven't been linked to those diseases in the Portland area. But because they feed during a longer portion of the day than most mosquitoes, the potential for disease transmission is much greater.
___
Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
More like this
West Nile virus hasn't hit in county
