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Invasive Australian mosquito found in Portland for first time
OregonLive.com • • health
Key Points:
- An invasive mosquito species, Aedes notoscriptus, native to Australia and capable of carrying multiple viruses, was detected for the first time in Portland during routine monitoring at Bybee Lake Pumphouse.
- The mosquito can transmit several viruses including West Nile and chikungunya, which are present in the U.S., as well as others like yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis that are not currently found in the country.
- Despite additional trapping efforts in the area, no further Aedes notoscriptus mosquitoes have been found; surveillance will continue within a half-mile radius due to the species' limited flight range.
- This discovery follows previous invasive mosquito detections in Multnomah County, such as Aedes japonicus in 2006, and officials warn that climate change and global trade may increase invasive species introductions in the coming years.
