Typically, after heavy rains, mosquito swarms
can be detected in ditches. In the past, work-
ers had to spray a chemical into the water
every week to keep the insects at bay. But
now those county employees can use this
device to kill larvae before it grows to the
adult stage.
In the long term, Smith also hopes using the
electric device will prove more cost-efficient
than the chemicals.
MONITORING FOR CHIKUNGUNYA
This rainy season, there is concern about chi-
kungunya, a virus that emerged in Africa. Over
the past couple of years, it has spread across
the Caribbean, and it is poised to make its
incursion into the continental United States.
Only two cases of the virus are believed to
have been contracted through mosquito bites
in the U.S. Both were reported in southeast
Florida.
Smith said the two species of mosquito that
carry chikungunya are found locally but in
very small populations. The yellow fever mos-
quito, aedes aegypti, and the tiger mosquito,
aedes albopictus, are capable of transmitting
both the dengue and chikungunya viruses.
These mosquitoes, which bite during the day-
time, are associated with the accumulation of
water in man-made containers, such as tires
and buckets, which serve as breeding sites.
One Sarasota resident, who lives close to
downtown, is believed to have contracted
the virus while traveling out of the country.
The virus can be transmitted by mosquitoes
Matt Smith points to a map showing various mosquito control areas in the county.
Sarasota News Leader August 1, 2014 Page 28
