Add Kings County to the list of places with mosquitoes that can cause Zika

Kings County now joins Fresno and Madera counties in having mosquitoes that can cause Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever and chikungunya viruses.

Seven adult mosquitoes collected this week were Aedes aegypti, the species that can carry Zika, said the Kings County Mosquito Abatement District.

The mosquito has become well-established in Fresno, Clovis and Madera in the past four years.

So far, no local mosquito has spread the Zika virus. But Fresno County had six Zika cases last year – five related to people traveling to Zika-infested countries – and one transmitted through sex. But health officials are worried about the potential for the home-grown mosquitoes to spread the virus. All it would take is for a Valley mosquito to bite an infected traveler who has returned home and for that mosquito to then bite another person.

The Aedes aegypti, a day-biting mosquito, is small and dark with white markings and white-banded legs. And it’s difficult to kill.

“Because this mosquito prefers to breed in small containers, it is very difficult to control with traditional mosquito control techniques,” said Michael Cavanagh, district manager of the mosquito abatement district. “The public’s health is going to be critical,” he said.

Residents are encouraged to contact the district if they experience mosquitoes biting during the day and indoors. The abatement district can be reached by calling 559-584-3326 or by visiting its website.

This story was originally published August 23, 2017 at 5:24 PM with the headline "Add Kings County to the list of places with mosquitoes that can cause Zika."