UTMB Researchers Determine Which Mosquitoes Carry Zika

GALVESTON, TX — Researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston have determined that the Culex quinquefasciatus mosquito does not carry the Zika virus.

Culex quinquefasciatus is a very common mosquito in the Houston area, it's a brown mosquito that feeds at dusk and dawn. C. quinquefasciatus also carries St. Louis Encephalitis and West Nile virus.

On the other hand, the Aedes aegypti mosquito does carry the Zika virus. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are also common in the Houston area, they are easily recognizable by the white markings on their legs and their habit of feeding during the day.

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