Mapping the spread of disease-carrying mosquitoes

A new mapping tool can pinpoint within a 25-kilometer area where mosquitoes carrying deadly diseases are likely to spread in the U.S. and Europe. Researchers focused on the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus species, which can carry chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. By 2080, the researchers predict 20 new countries will report the presence of Aedes albopictus for the first time. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which have already spread worldwide in the past several decades, will be in three new countries by that date. The researchers hope that the new tool, which brings together historical data and climate change models, will help public health officials plan where to target treatment and eradication efforts.