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New Mosquito Discovery Highlights CMCD’s Lab, Research Team

by Patrick Linn, MS, MSHAPI
Executive Director, Collier Mosquito Control District
n November, Collier Mosquito In addition to assisting in making treatment decisions, our
Control District (CMCD) laboratory in-house lab allows us to test mosquitoes trapped locally for
Itechnician Hunter Martin made an tropical diseases, such as dengue or Zika. Without this local testing
interesting discovery while performing capability, specimens would go to the state lab. By doing these tests
routine mosquito surveillance in Collier in-house, we have the results within 24 hours rather than waiting
Seminole State Park. In one of the traps, he weeks to get the results back from the state. This time difference
found three female Aedeomyia squamipennis can save lives. Quite simply, if we find disease in local mosquitoes,
mosquitoes. Ad. squamipennis is native to we can make more timely decisions to target the area where the
Central and South America and was first disease is and limit potential public health threats.
discovered in the United States in 2017. Martin's discovery The benefits of rapid testing were seen in other parts of the
marks the first time this mosquito species has been found in state last year, as Florida experienced its first outbreak of locally
Collier County, bringing the total number of species in the acquired malaria in 20 years. Malaria was first reported last May in
county to 51. Sarasota County, and local mosquito control experts swiftly sprang
Since first observed in Miami in 2017, the species has into action. Through testing mosquito pools, they were able to
gradually expanded its range throughout southern Florida. This locate the likely source of the outbreak. Control efforts in Sarasota
mosquito species is known to carry viruses such as Venezuelan and Manatee Counties limited the outbreak to seven total cases,
Equine Encephalitis and avian malaria. However, this mosquito and the public health advisory was lifted after the counties found
currently does not pose a significant public health risk due to no new malaria cases after mid July.
its low population in Florida and preference for drawing blood The science behind mosquito control is a valuable tool in our
from birds rather than humans. public health arsenal, helping to keep our community safe and
CMCD's in-house laboratory made this discovery possible comfortable. The work our scientists do in our lab also makes
and highlights the community benefits of having a dedicated an impact statewide, as demonstrated by the recent discovery of
mosquito control lab in Collier County. To effectively control Aedeomyia squamipennis in Collier County. Sharing the knowledge
mosquitoes in Collier County, we must know what we are up that this mosquito is moving throughout the state helps keep
against. Mosquito behavior and treatment material resistance neighboring counties aware that this new mosquito to Southwest
can vary depending on the species. As part of our integrated Florida is likely in their areas as well.
mosquito management plan, knowing what species are
prominent in a given area is vital to controlling their population.

To learn more about the Florida Mosquito Control Association, visit their website at www.yourfmca.org.
To learn more about the District or to sign up to receive treatment notifications, visit our website at www.cmcd.org.
The Collier Mosquito Control District works to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our residents through the safest and most economical means available.
If you would like more information about how we control mosquitoes, please visit our website at cmcd.org or call us 239-436-1000.

Life in Naples | April 2024 71