A mosquito that spreads yellow fever was detected in San Joaquin County, reports CBS13.
The insect was found in Stockton's Brookside neighborhood according to the county's Mosquito and Vector Control District. This is the third year in a row this yellow fever mosquito has been detected found in the county.
“This is the earliest find of the yellow fever mosquito in the last three years for San Joaquin County,” Aaron Devencenzi, spokesperson of the district told CBS13. “The public can help prevent the spread of these invasive mosquitoes by calling in daytime biting mosquitoes to the district.”
The yellow fever mosquito, also known as Aedes aegypti, is known to be capable of transmitting various viruses like dengue, Zika, and chikungunya. However, there is no evidence that any of these viruses have been transmitted by the mosquitoes.
According to county officials, the California Department of Public Health has recorded yellow fever mosquito findings between 2011 and 2021.
The district said yellow fever mosquitos lay their "eggs just above the water line in small containers and vessels that hold water, such as dishes under potted plants, birdbaths, ornamental fountains, tin cans, or discarded tires.”
The district urges anyone experiencing mosquito bites during the day to report them immediately.