CDC's Most (un)Wanted Mosquitoes

What to know

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes can spread dengue and other diseases, which has placed them on CDC's Most (un)Wanted List. Get to know these mosquitoes and how you can protect yourself and your family from the diseases they spread.

A graphic entitled: "Wanted dead or alive." Beneath are mugshots of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Below the images the graphic reads: "These mosquitoes are wanted for spreading viruses like dengue."

WANTED: Aedes aegypti & Aedes albopictus

There are over 200 types of mosquitoes in the United States. Most of these are nuisance mosquitoes. However, some types of mosquitoes can spread viruses and parasites that make people sick through their bites. Mosquitoes can spread dengue, chikungunya, West Nile virus, yellow fever, Zika, and other diseases.

"Mosquitoes are not just annoying, they are a top public health threat," said Dr. Roberto Barrera, lead entomologist at CDC's Dengue Branch. "These tiny troublemakers are responsible for spreading viruses that affect millions of people. It's time to take action to stop these pests!"

Here's a closer look at the mosquitoes responsible for spreading dengue.

NAME: Aedes aegypti

View Larger
An Aedes aegypti mosquito resting on a leaf.
Aedes aegypti mosquito - one of CDC's most unwanted.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

Dark brown; white bands on the legs; white spots on the body, and stripes on the upper body that look like a lyre

PRIORS:

Spreading dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever

LAST KNOWN WHEREABOUTS:

Southern and Southwestern U.S. states, Puerto Rico, tropical and subtropical areas of the world, countries in Africa and Asia, parts of southern Europe

NAME: Aedes albopictus, AKA "Asian Tiger Mosquito"

View Larger
An Aedes albopictus mosquito feeding on a human with brown skin.
Aedes albopictus mosquito - one of CDC's most unwanted.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:

Black; white bands on the legs; white spots on the body

PRIORS:

Spreading dengue, Zika, chikungunya; because these mosquitoes feed on animals as well as people, they are less likely to spread these and other viruses than the Aedes aegypti

LAST KNOWN WHEREABOUTS:

Southern and Southwestern U.S. states, tropical, subtropical, and some temperate areas of the world, countries in Africa and Asia, parts of southern Europe - this mosquito can live at cooler temperatures than Aedes aegypti.

BOTH SHOULD BE CONSIDERED DANGEROUS

Protect yourself and your families from mosquito bites by

  • Using EPA-registered insect repellent
  • Wearing loose, long-sleeved shirts and pants
  • Making sure screens are in good repair
  • Removing standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs

Learn more about the current dengue outbreak and be sure to keep these unwanted guests out of your homes.

Print
Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)