The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit says two additional Aedes albopictus mosquitoes have been found in a Windsor trap.
That brings the total trapped in Windsor-Essex to six.
The Aedes albopictus mosquito, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is known to transmit the Zika virus.
When analyzed in the laboratory, the health unit says the two new additional Aedes albopictus mosquitoes also tested negative for Zika.
All of the mosquitoes have been found in a single local mosquito trap in Windsor over a four week time period during routine monitoring and surveillance for West Nile virus.
“The finding of these mosquitoes three times in last four weeks may mean that the species has established a breeding ground around the trap,” says Dr. Gary Kirk, Medical Officer of Health.
“We continue to believe there is no current increased risk to the Windsor-Essex County population for the transmission of Zika virus and, accordingly, would recommend no additional Zika virus testing for Windsor-Essex County residents beyond the current guidelines,” he added.
The Aedes albopictus feeds on humans but they also feed on animals, which makes it less likely for them to spread the virus. For Zika virus transmission to occur, the Aedes albopictus mosquito would need to feed on an infected person then feed upon another susceptible person.
The greatest risk to contracting Zika virus continues to be centred on those who have travelled to Zika-risk areas (such as South America, the Caribbean and Florida) or who are or have been in sexual contact with these travellers.
