The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an increase in 2016 in the number of U.S. counties with mosquitoes known to spread Zika and other viruses.
The report, published in the Journal of Medical Entomology, focused on two types of mosquitoes: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. The findings show a substantial increase in the number of counties reporting evidence of the mosquitoes in southern United States — specifically in Florida, Texas, and other Gulf Coast states. CDC also found that Arizona, California, New Mexico, and mid-Atlantic states were areas of interest for enhanced surveillance.
CDC said the findings highlight the need for continued mosquito surveillance and can help state and local health departments and mosquito control districts plan for possible outbreaks.
America’s Essential Hospitals has established a resource page dedicated to this public health threat. Visit this page regularly for new and updated information.
