Zika might possibly be transmitted by mosquito found in New Zealand
MICHAEL DALY
Last updated 13:38, March 4 2016
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Scientists in Brazil have been able to infect the Culex quinquefasciatus species of mosquito, which has been in this country since at least 1848, with the virus.
The findings showed it was misguided and potentially dangerous to assume New Zealand did not have mosquito vectors capable of transmitting the virus, Dr Jose Derraik, senior research fellow at the Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, said.
"Culex quinquefasciatus was the first foreign mosquito to become established in this country ... It is present in much of the North Island and in northern areas of the South Island.
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"As a result, even though the risk of mosquitoes transmitting viruses to humans in New Zealand is lower than in other countries, this possibility cannot be simply disregarded," he said.
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Brazilian experts found the Zika virus in the salivary glands of the 'common mosquito' (Culex), an indication that this species may also carry the disease
MICHAEL DALY
Last updated 13:38, March 4 2016
...
Scientists in Brazil have been able to infect the Culex quinquefasciatus species of mosquito, which has been in this country since at least 1848, with the virus.
The findings showed it was misguided and potentially dangerous to assume New Zealand did not have mosquito vectors capable of transmitting the virus, Dr Jose Derraik, senior research fellow at the Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, said.
"Culex quinquefasciatus was the first foreign mosquito to become established in this country ... It is present in much of the North Island and in northern areas of the South Island.
...
"As a result, even though the risk of mosquitoes transmitting viruses to humans in New Zealand is lower than in other countries, this possibility cannot be simply disregarded," he said.
...
- Stuff
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See also:
Brazilian experts found the Zika virus in the salivary glands of the 'common mosquito' (Culex), an indication that this species may also carry the disease