Can mosquitoes transmit 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19)?
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.
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.
