A new arbovirus from Aedes albopictus, an Asian mosquito established in the United States

Science. 1990 Dec 21;250(4988):1738-40. doi: 10.1126/science.2270489.

Abstract

Ten strains of a new arbovirus belonging to the Bunyamwera group (Bunyaviridae) were recovered from field-collected Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in Potosi, Missouri. This evidence indicates that this species may serve as an arbovirus vector in the United States. The urban-suburban distribution, aggressive biting behavior, and broad viral susceptibility of Ae. albopictus may lead to the transmission of viruses of known public health importance and perhaps of viruses hitherto not transmitted to humans because of the feeding pattern of their usual vectors.

MeSH terms

  • Aedes / microbiology*
  • Animals
  • Arboviruses / isolation & purification*
  • Asia
  • Humans
  • Insect Vectors
  • United States