Invasive 'yellow fever mosquito' found in Davis County for the first time

Key Points:

• The invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito, known as the "yellow fever mosquito," was detected for the first time in Davis County, Utah, at Bicentennial Park on October 8, marking its spread from southern Utah where it has been present since 2019.
• This mosquito species is a known carrier of viruses such as Zika, dengue, and yellow fever, and tends to bite during the daytime, preferring to feed on humans near the ankles.
• Davis County officials have increased mosquito trapping and neighborhood inspections, emphasizing that control efforts will continue until colder weather reduces the mosquito population.
• Residents are advised to use EPA-approved repellents, wear protective clothing, eliminate standing water, maintain home screens, and report daytime mosquito bites to local authorities to help prevent potential local transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.
• Health officials warn that while these diseases are currently linked to travel, the presence of Aedes aegypti raises concerns about possible local transmission in the community.