These include the Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus as well as yellow fever which can infect humans.
In the Journal, the pair write that because the species feeds and humans and birds then there is a potential for the virus to be passed on.
Professor Reeves said: “If you end up with a species that s capable of transmitting to [birds] and likes to also bite humans, that s the prime condition for a spillover event.
The study noted the species had adapted from its normal climate and had started to “readily enter buildings, and host-seeking and blood-feeding indoors.”
Aedes scapularis Mosquito (Image: University of Florida PR and Communications)
Invasive species of mosquito known to carry diseases including yellow fever has been found in Florida and could spread around the state
A new study suggests the Aedes scapularis mosquito may spread to over a dozen counties in Florida, as well as states along the Gulf Coast
The mosquito is capable of transmitting yellow fever, among other diseases
The mosquito has been found in two Florida counties, Miami-Dade and Broward
Yellow fever has killed several hundred people in Brazil in recent years
Disease-carrying mosquito, new to Florida, is spreading in Broward County sun-sentinel.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sun-sentinel.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Disease-Carrying Mosquito Species Returns to Florida the-scientist.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from the-scientist.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
<em>Aedes scapularis</em> mosquitoes are from the tropics and can carry yellow fever. Entomologist Lawrence Reeves recently identified them among mosquitoes he collected near Everglades National Park in 2019.