The Asian Tiger mosquito, typically associated with tropical climates, has been found in Vermont. Although these viruses were not present in specimens found, the insect is a known disease vector for Zika, chikungunya and dengue.
Natalie Kwit, public health veterinarian with the Vermont Department of Health, said that while the discovery of Aedes albopictus in the state is notable, Vermont’s climate is currently inhospitable for the mosquito species for most of the year, making it unlikely they will be spreading new diseases here any time soon. “The diseases they can carry are not endemic to our area, and in fact are rarely found anywhere in the United States,” said Kwit .
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