Comm Games Zika risk

Lea.emery@news.com.au the city not containing populations of the specific mosquito species capable of carrying and spreading those diseases,” the report said.

The Aedes albopictus, responsible for carrying Zika, is considered on of the world’s worst invasive species.

The Gold Coast Airport is the highest risk area according to the report, with mosquitoes known to go undetected in aircraft cargo holds.

To combat the risk, the council and the Department of Agriculture and Water are working together to increase the number of traps and mosquito surveillance.

Griffith University mosquito expert Patricia Dale said any large event involving a high number of overseas tourists increases the risk of introducing mosquito species.

“Most of the mosquitoes come through our airports,” she said.