Mosquito Species That Carries Zika Found In 13 California Counties
Though the ones found in the traps were not carrying the virus, public health officials are warning residents to take extra precaution. In other Zika news, researchers are racing to investigate this latest global epidemic.
KBAK:
Mosquito Linked To Zika Virus Found In Kern County
The Aedes mosquito that transmits the Zika virus was found in traps last summer in Kern County. Luckily, none of these mosquitoes carry the Zika virus or any other infections, such as dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. There have been no cases of any of these diseases in California. The mosquitoes are black-and-white striped and usually active during the day. Public health officials say that the mosquito has been discovered in 12 other counties across the state. (Hall, 2/9)
NPR:
Virus Profilers Race To Figure Out What Makes Zika Tick
When Carolyn Coyne's lab at the University of Pittsburgh recently tried to order a sample of Zika virus from a major laboratory supplier, they were told it was out of stock. "They are actually back-ordered until July for the virus," Coyne says. "At least that's what we were told." She ended up obtaining Zika from another source, and it arrived at her lab Tuesday. She's just one of a growing number of lab researchers who are racing to investigate Zika virus in the wake of reports that it may be linked to some cases of microcephaly, the birth defect that leaves babies with small heads and brains. (Greenfieldboyce, 2/9)