Brazilian scientists detect Zika in common Culex mosquito

RIO DE JANEIRO (PNA/Xinhua) – Brazilian scientists have detected traces of the Zika virus in the more common Culex mosquito, which means this genus of mosquito could also potentially transmit the disease.

Tests were conducted on more than 200 Culex mosquitoes. However, the results are still being verified, and there is no evidence to suggest the Culex could contaminate human beings.

The discovery was made by the Rio de Janeiro-based Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) and announced Wednesday at a seminar on Zika in the northeastern state of Pernambuco, the worst hit by the epidemic.

Fiocruz researchers are now hunting for Culex specimens in areas affected by Zika to determine the extent of Culex carrying the virus in the wild. This study will last between six and eight months before a conclusion is reached.

Until now, it is believed that the only Zika vector is the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya.

In Brazilian cities, the Culex is more than 20 times common than the Aedes aegypti, say researchers. This kind of mosquito, which can be found worldwide, lays eggs in dirty water, as opposed to the Aedes aegypti, which reproduces in cleaner water.

The proliferation of the Culex in urban areas is spurred by poor sanitation, a serious issue facing poor areas of every major city in the country.