Canberra Times (Australia): The return of rainwater tanks in Australia's back yards could bring the mosquito that carries dengue fever back to areas as far south as Sydney. After arriving in Australia on ships carrying infected water barrels in the late 19th century, the mozzie spread from Queensland to Sydney and west to Perth.But by the late 1960s it had been restricted to the northern half of Queensland thanks in part to the removal of old galvanised rainwater tanks, the installation of piped water, insecticides and new power lawnmowers that helped keep yards tidy. But now, thanks to climate change, the backyard rainwater tank is making a resurgence - and a new study warns the dengue mozzie could hitch a ride.
Lead author, Dr Michael Kearney of the University of Melbourne, says rainwater tanks and smaller storage tubs like modified wheelie bins are potential breeding sites for the Aedes aegypti mosquito which carries the disease. "The potential direct impact of climate change on its distribution and abundance is minor when compared to the potential effect of changed water-storage behaviour," said Dr Kearney….
Stegomyia aegypti (formerly Aedes aegypti) mosquito biting a human. From the USDA website
1 comment:
Dengue fever usually occur during rainy days because mosquitoes are living on stacked water and moist places.
During this kind of weather, we should be aware. At first hand, we should test ourselves by using elisakit. It can determine dengue fever and anti bodies.
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