Source: Radio New Zealand
The area where the mosquito larvae was found in Auckland’s CBD. HEALTH NZ / SUPPLIED
Larvae from a type of exotic mosquito that can carry deadly diseases have been found in downtown Auckland.
The National Public Health Service had launched a surveillance and interception programme after the discovery of the aedes aegypti larvae in a trap near Queens wharf.
The mosquito breed could carry diseases including dengue fever, yellow fever, zika virus and chikungunya virus.
The service said exotic species were occasionally found at ports and airports.
It said the larvae was not considered a public health or biosecurity threat yet because there was no indication they had become established.
But it was doing intensive monitoring for at least three weeks.
The monitoring would take place within a 400m radius of the site where the larvae was identified. Health Protection Officers would place mosquito traps in the survey area.
“These have been hidden away from plain sight so they are not disturbed, for example in old tyres, bushes or pools of water. We ask members of the public to avoid touching or disturbing these traps if they find them, as it may disrupt our monitoring and trapping efforts,” medical officer of health Dr David Sinclair said.
If anyone saw dead mosquitoes near Queens Wharf or within the survey area, for example in puddles or pools of water, they should report it to 0800 669 943.
Sinclair said New Zealanders were most at risk from diseases transmitted by mosquitoes when travelling overseas, including to Pacific Island countries and territories where dengue fever was known to be present.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
