Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus: a potential vector to transmit Zika virus

A species of mosquito commonly found in cities and towns throughout southern China has the potential to transmit Zika virus. In the midst of the current pandemic, public health experts have primarily focused on mosquitoes from the genus Aedes as the primary vector for this disease. Researchers led by Tong-yan Zhao and Cheng-feng Qin at Beijing's Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology have now determined that another species of mosquito, Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus, might also facilitate Zika's spread. The researchers found that these mosquitoes, which carryclosely-related viruses such as Japanese encephalitis virus, were able to transmit Zika virus to mice after feeding on Zika-infected blood.Cx. p. quinquefasciatus is commonly found in population centers throughout southern China, and could potentially contribute to future Zika outbreaks unless appropriate control measures are taken.