Since announcing last week that it had found the mosquito known to carry the Zika virus in a trap, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit says it's found two more.
A release from the health unit also says, "We are uncertain if the Aedes albopictus mosquito will return next year."
That's six Asian Tiger mosquitos so far. All of them were found in a single trap in Windsor over a four-week period during route surveillance for the West Nile virus. All of them have tested negative for Zika virus.
"[It] may mean the species has established a breeding ground around the trap," says Medical Officer of Health Dr Gary Kirk. "We continue to believe there is no current 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."
Previously, health officials said they believed the mosquito travelled to Canada in a shipping container.
For transmission of the Zika virus to occur, the health unit says the mosquito would have to feed on an infected person and then feed on another susceptible person. The greatest risk of infection continues to be for those who have travelled to South America, the Caribbean and Florida, or who have had sexual contact with an infected person.
The Asian Tiger mosquito does not breed in ponds, puddles or marshes, but typically lay eggs in standing water like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.
The health unit is now working with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Public Health Ontario to determine surveillance plans for next year.
