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From Africa to the World: What is the Mystery of the Global Dispersion of Aedes aegypti?
Aedes aegypti, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, originated in Africa but has rapidly spread to tropical, subtropical and even temperate regions around the world in recent decades. This mosquito is not only known for its distinctive black and white stripes, but is also a major transmitter of a variety of diseases, including dengue fever, Zika virus, scrub typhus and yellow fever.
Aedes aegypti's ability to adapt allows it to survive and thrive in new environments, making it a major global public health challenge.
Aedes aegypti's biological features make it easy to identify, with females generally being larger than males. The mosquito relies on chemicals to attract its host, particularly compounds released in human breath and sweat, such as ammonia and carbon dioxide. Such characteristics have prompted scientists to conduct in-depth research on it, hoping to find ways to control its spread. According to research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, these mosquitoes have preferences for certain chemical molecules, which provides clues for the development of new mosquito repellents.
History and Current Status of Diffusion
Aedes aegypti dates back to Africa and spread to the New World as the slave trade flourished. Today, it is considered one of the most common mosquito species in the world and is expanding to areas further north and south due to climate change.
One study noted that "some mosquito species are finding ways to survive in normally restricted environments, using underground refuges."
According to the 2022 report, Aedes aegypti has been associated with 54 viruses and two malarial parasites, demonstrating its extraordinary ability to spread pathogens.
Vectors of disease
Aedes aegypti is not only a transmitter of yellow fever, but also capable of transmitting a variety of viruses, posing a huge threat to global public health. As urbanization accelerates and population mobility increases, this mosquito will become more adaptable to new ecological environments.
"Climate change is going to kill a lot of innocent people."
As the global climate warms, this mosquito's ability to adapt will allow it to continue to survive and reproduce in a changing environment.
Prevention and control measures
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends using mosquito repellent containing DEET as an effective way to prevent bites. At the same time, eliminating mosquito breeding places, such as vases, uncovered buckets and discarded tires, is also an important measure to reduce the number of mosquitoes.
Aedes aegypti prefers to breed in areas of stagnant water, such as damp places like bathrooms and showers.
Control measures against this mosquito also include the use of genetic modification technology, hoping to reduce its population by releasing genetically modified male mosquitoes. These male mosquitoes have self-limiting genes, and their offspring cannot survive, effectively reducing the overall mosquito population.
Prospects and Challenges
The scientific community is still seeking further understanding and control methods of the global spread of Aedes aegypti. Not only from a biological perspective, but also includes in-depth research on the impact of climate change and human activities on it. The adaptability and spread of Aedes aegypti not only challenges the public health system, but also raises widespread concerns about the future of global health.
What effective measures can we take in the future to slow or prevent the spread of Aedes aegypti and reduce the risk of related diseases?
