Mosquitoes caught in the Windsor, Ont. region have the potential to carry the Zika virus, the local health authority reports.
As reported by CBC, Aedes albopictus mosquitoes — also known as Asian tiger mosquitoes — were found in a local mosquito trap during routine monitoring for West Nile virus.
Though these particular mosquitoes tested negative for Zika, the insects are a known carrier of the disease. The species is uncommon in Canada, but is an invasive species that has been reported in the Niagara Region.
Canada is home to over 80 species of mosquitoes, with only a few species biting humans. Mosquitoes are abundant, beginning in mid to late May and lasting longer than black flies (usually into July depending upon the weather).
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit will be providing an update at 10 a.m. ET.
