The most common mosquito transmitting viral diseases is Aedes aegypti. It transmits dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. It is believed that Aedes aegypti was transported from Africa to other parts of the world. It has a high vectorial capacity, meaning it is a very effective transmitter of these viruses in nature.
Aedes albopictus is capable of spreading all four of the above listed diseases, as well as the West Nile virus. Ae. albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, originated in Asia and can live in more temperate (cooler) climates. While Ae. aegypti lives in close proximity to people and their homes, Ae. albopictus is less likely to live as close or spread disease. Both of these are more likely to be active and bite in the daytime in full sunlight, unlike most mosquitoes. They were most probably imported in used tires.
Both mosquitoes can live in the US. The map below shows the CDC's best estimate of their potential ranges. The mosquitoes use natural and artificial containers that hold water, such as used tires, plastic buckets, ponds, and tree holes. They thrive in small containers of water. Control of these diseases is dependent on killing these mosquitoes and preventing them from breeding.
Figure 3. Estimated potential range of
Aedes aegypti and
Aedes albopictus in the US
