An Invasive Mosquito Is Spreading With Alarming Speed, Threatening Africa’s Cities - The New York Times

Core Impact Points

• The mosquito, known as the Asian tiger mosquito, has been detected in multiple African countries, including South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya.
• The species is a known vector for diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus, which could lead to widespread outbreaks in Africa.
• The rapid spread of the mosquito is attributed to climate change, human migration, and increased global trade, highlighting the need for international cooperation to combat the issue.
• The potential economic impact of the mosquito's spread could be significant, with estimates suggesting that dengue fever alone costs the global economy over $2 billion annually.
• The US may not be directly affected, but the spread of the mosquito could have implications for global trade and travel, potentially impacting US businesses and consumers.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) and other global health authorities are working to develop strategies to combat the spread of the mosquito and prevent potential outbreaks.