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Invasive Mosquito Species Spread In California; Health Officials Issue Warning

SACRAMENTO (CBS SF) -- Two invasive mosquito species which can spread infectious diseases have been found in increasing numbers in the state and health officials are warning Californians to take steps to protect themselves.

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) said the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) have now been found in 14 counties, including Alameda and San Mateo counties.

Last month, the yellow fever mosquito was detected for the first time in San Bernardino and Riverside counties while the Asian tiger mosquito was discovered in Kern and San Diego counties and has expanded its reach in Los Angeles County, the CDPH said.

The two species are not native to California and have a distinctive black and white striped pattern on their legs and thorax.

The CDPH said both species can transmit diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever, chikungunya.

"While the risk is still low in California, infected travelers coming back to California can transmit these viruses to mosquitoes that bite them. CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer Dr. Karen Smith said in a press release. "This can lead to additional people becoming infected if they are then bitten by those mosquitoes."

The CDPH said there is no vaccine or treatment for chikungunya or dengue fever.

Tips for preventing mosquito-borne illnesses (source: California Department of Public Health)

• Apply mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and/or oil of lemon eucalyptus to your skin and clothing.
• Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants, socks and shoes when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use air conditioning, and keep mosquitoes from getting into your home by having intact window and door screens.
• Eliminate potential mosquito-breeding sources, such as water-filled containers, from around your home and where you work. Drain water that may have collected under potted plants, in bird baths and discarded tires. Check your rain gutters to make sure they aren't holding water, and clean pet water-dishes weekly.

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