Can mosquitoes transmit 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
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This is a common question since mosquitoes bite people year-round.
Can these bloodsuckers spread COVID-19 to people when they bite?
A new study by Kansas State University researchers is the first to confirm that SARS-CoV-2 cannot be transmitted to people by mosquitoes.
From the study:
"Three widely distributed species of mosquito; Aedes aegypti, Ae. albopictus and Culex quinquefasciatus, representing the two most significant genera of arbovirus vectors that infect people, were tested."
"We demonstrate that even under extreme conditions, SARS-CoV-2 virus is unable to replicate in these mosquitoes and therefore cannot be transmitted to people even in the unlikely event that a mosquito fed upon a viremic host."
What about flies and cockroaches?
In a Texas A&M University study, biting and nonbiting flies and cockroaches (Blattodea) are not likely to contribute to transmission of COVID-19. This is good news since we know flies and cockroaches can touch surfaces that may have COVID-19 and other viruses.
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For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information in Los Angeles County, please check out LA County Department of Public Health's website.
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What CAN mosquitoes spread?
One common group of mosquitoes, called Culex, spread West Nile virus, which is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in Los Angeles County. Another group of L.A. County mosquitoes, called Aedes mosquitoes, have the potential to spread Zika, dengue fever, yellow fever, and chikungunya.