title: First record and demonstration of a southward expansion of Aedes albopictus into Orange Walk Town, Belize, Central America.
abstract: The first record of Aedes albopictus in northern Belize was made in Orange Walk Town, Orange Walk District, on November 3, 2011. Aedes spp. larvae were collected during a routine Ministry of Health mosquito survey and reared to adults. Upon emergence, a mixed population of Aedes aegypti (35) and Ae. albopictus (11) was observed (aegypti:albopictus = 3:1). Subsequent larval and adult surveys in Orange Walk and Corozal District, also in northern Belize, have confirmed the presence of Ae. albopictus, thereby indicating the range expansion and establishment of this nuisance biter and potential disease vector in Belize.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wagman
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
authors.forename: John P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Grieco
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health, East Block Independence Plaza, Belmopan, Belize, Central America.
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: King
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health, East Block Independence Plaza, Belmopan, Belize, Central America.
authors.forename: Ireneo
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Briceño
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health, East Block Independence Plaza, Belmopan, Belize, Central America.
authors.forename: Kim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bautista
authors.affiliation: Ministry of Health, East Block Independence Plaza, Belmopan, Belize, Central America.
authors.forename: Jorge
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Polanco
authors.affiliation: Walter Reed Biosystematics Unit, 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20746, USA.
authors.forename: James
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Pecor
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA.
authors.forename: Nicole L
authors.initials: NL
authors.lastname: Achee
mesh_terms: D000330:Aedes; D000818:Animals; D001531:Belize; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors