Vicious ‘ankle biter’ mosquitoes capable of spreading dengue fever invade SoCal

Key Points:

• Yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti), native to Sub-Saharan Africa and capable of transmitting dengue fever, have been detected in multiple locations across Santa Barbara, California, including North Voluntario, East Cota, Laguna, East Carrillo, and East Victoria streets.
• Another invasive mosquito species, Australian backyard mosquitoes (Aedes notoscriptus), have also been found in Santa Barbara’s West Side and Mesa neighborhoods earlier this year; both species bite around feet and ankles during daytime, earning the nickname "ankle biters."
• Residents are urged to report aggressive daytime mosquito bites to the Santa Barbara County Mosquito and Vector Management District to help monitor and control the spread of these pests.
• Southern California is experiencing a surge in mosquito populations due to record heat waves and El Niño conditions, creating ideal breeding environments; this has coincided with a spike in mosquito-borne illnesses like West Nile virus, with Los Angeles County reporting over 180 cases this year.
• The presence of multiple mosquito species and rising temperatures have heightened public health concerns in the region, as these mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases such as dengue fever and West Nile virus.