24 Mar Four Reasons for Mosquito-Borne Virus Outbreaks in the Americas | NET effect
The most recent mosquito-borne virus outbreak in the Americas, the Zika virus, has shed new light on an already lengthy list of harmful and debilitating diseases that mosquitoes can carry. North and South America have been greatly impacted from Zika, dengue, chikungunya, West Nile and other infections. Here are four reasons why there are so many mosquito-borne virus outbreaks in the Americas. Surplus of Mosquito Breeds There are 862 mosquito species in South America, 462 in Central America and 192 in North America. Then the thousands of species of birds and mammals also present a huge opportunity for mosquitoes because they can host the viruses. The Americas have mosquito breeds Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, which are the main culprits for the spread of Zika and other viruses. Urbanization Creates Prime Breeding Grounds In the Americas, there are many underdeveloped urban areas that host the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes, such as stagnant water...