LIVONIA (WKZO-AM/FM) — An Asian tiger mosquito was reportedly captured in a trap in an industrial area in Livonia.
There were rumors about the insect being in west Michigan, but this is the first documented case in the state. This particular species is the one that is capable of carrying the Zika virus and isn’t usually found this far north.
This particular mosquito was not infected with Zika, nor has any mosquito in the midwest shown a positive test for the Zika, which is primarily a risk for pregnant women and newborns.
Dr. Eden Wells with the state health department says West Nile Virus is the mosquito-borne virus they are most worried about, and the one that Michiganders can prevent by avoiding the mosquitoes.
Health officials in Kalamazoo County have also been trapping mosquitos all summer. They have yet to find any Asian tiger mosquitoes.
