Behold the Tiger Mosquito: Buzzing in the San Gabriel Valley
KATHERINE ONG
Staff Writer
Most people recognize mosquitoes as a common and mutually detested pest. In October, sightings of the American mosquito’s distant cousin, the Asian Tiger mosquito, have been reported within eight miles of Alhambra.
The San Gabriel Mosquito Valley & Vector Control District has stated that if the population of this invasive species is not kept under close observation, the possibility of a widespread epidemic occurring will increase as a result of its peculiar feeding habits.
“[The epidemic is] going to be severe [and] if a person gets caught with it, we’re doomed,” junior Mimi Chen said. “Mosquitoes [can] kill you.”
Unlike its American counterparts, Asian Tiger mosquitoes are able to spread diseases at a faster rate. In fact, the rate is double than that of an American mosquito; they are categorized as aggressive feeders and have been known to feed during all hours of the date, rather than solely at night.
This increases its ability to spread diseases such as the West Nile virus and both the Yellow and Dengue Fever. Victims can identify an Asian Tiger mosquito by its black-and-white striped body and by its bite, which is usually more irritating in comparison to its American cousin.
However, these are not the first reports of the tiger mosquito infestation within the United States. This insect was first documented in Texas in 1985 and since then has spread to various states, including Hawaii.
Presently, some cases have even been reported in other areas of California such as Coachella Valley where four positive samples of the West Nile virus samples were discovered. In addition, two fatalities attributed to the West Nile Virus have been reported in Kern County. The deaths were not confirmed to have resulted from tiger mosquito bites, but nonetheless are a cause for concern as the disease is spread through the transmission of infected blood.
“As long as people take care of themselves, then it shouldn’t be something people get too worked up over,” junior Krista Weng said.
School Nurse Anita Man advises both staff and students to maintain sanitary environments to decrease the spread of the virus and suggests that students need only to take standard mosquito precautions such as mosquito
repellant, to protect themselves from getting bitten. She has also expressed that these sightings have not reached a level where they should cause concern.
Despite this, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District remains alert and is actively trying to eradicate the infestation. Their website, sgvmosquito.org, provides a list of ways citizens can help stop the spread of the tiger mosquito population, such as throwing out water that has collected outside, which is the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.
The best way to protect yourself and deprive the mosquitoes of food would be to “wear long-sleeved clothing,” as suggested by senior Brendan Ma.