Discover 20 more types of mosquitoes carrying Zika virus

Scientists have discovered more than 20 species of mosquitoes carrying Zika virus in Africa. However, it is unclear whether they infect humans directly.

At the same time, scientists in Brazil say there is a more common mosquito than Aedes aegypi - the main culprit is the spread of Zika virus, which may also carry the virus. This also makes it more difficult to limit the spread of the disease.

Aedes aegypi has been thought to be the main culprit in spreading Zika, affecting thousands of babies in Brazil and other Latin American countries. However, Brazilian scientists announced on March 3 that another type of mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus , could also infect Zika. This raises concerns that Zika virus may also be present in other popular mosquitoes.

Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito is 20 times more popular than Aedes aegypi mosquito.

In Brazil, Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes are 20 times more popular than Aedes aegypi mosquitoes. In the study, scientists looked at Zika infected rabbit blood from Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes. The virus has circulated from mosquito bodies to their salivary glands, meaning they can pass Zika by pricking people.

Functional health authorities have suggested that Aedes aegypi is the main mosquito responsible for Zika disease. There is evidence that some other mosquitoes also transmit Zika and scientists have discovered more than 20 species of mosquitoes carrying this virus in Africa, although it is unclear whether they infect humans directly.

The Brazilian team believes that more research is still needed to determine whether Culex mosquitoes in nature have Zika transmission. They will catch mosquito Culex in the epidemic area for further research, but this work may take about eight months.

Mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus also live in subtropical regions, and can survive over the winter.

If this common virus can cause widespread illness, it will be more difficult to control the outbreak. Brazil said it confirmed 640 cases of babies with small head disease, most of them with mothers infected with Zika. In addition, there are more than 4,200 cases of suspected virus infection. Zika is found in the body fluids and tissues of mothers and children with small head disease.

Mosquitoes Culex quinquefasciatus also live in subtropical regions, and can survive over the winter. Unlike Aedes aegypi, Culex quinquefasciatus can keep the virus in the circulatory system through the cold months. Although these mosquitoes prefer bird blood, they often bite people, especially in the countryside. This makes mosquitoes eradicating in tall and dense clusters much more different than lowland mosquitoes.