title: Aedes hensilli as a potential vector of Chikungunya and Zika viruses.
abstract: An epidemic of Zika virus (ZIKV) illness that occurred in July 2007 on Yap Island in the Federated States of Micronesia prompted entomological studies to identify both the primary vector(s) involved in transmission and the ecological parameters contributing to the outbreak. Larval and pupal surveys were performed to identify the major containers serving as oviposition habitat for the likely vector(s). Adult mosquitoes were also collected by backpack aspiration, light trap, and gravid traps at select sites around the capital city. The predominant species found on the island was Aedes (Stegomyia) hensilli. No virus isolates were obtained from the adult field material collected, nor did any of the immature mosquitoes that were allowed to emerge to adulthood contain viable virus or nucleic acid. Therefore, laboratory studies of the probable vector, Ae. hensilli, were undertaken to determine the likelihood of this species serving as a vector for Zika virus and other arboviruses. Infection rates of up to 86%, 62%, and 20% and dissemination rates of 23%, 80%, and 17% for Zika, chikungunya, and dengue-2 viruses respectively, were found supporting the possibility that this species served as a vector during the Zika outbreak and that it could play a role in transmitting other medically important arboviruses.
authors.affiliation: Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
authors.forename: Jeremy P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Ledermann
authors.affiliation: URE-Entomologie Medicale, Institut Pasteur de Nouvelle-Caledonie, Noumea, New Caledonia.
authors.forename: Laurent
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Guillaumot
authors.affiliation: Environmental Health Services, Division of Public Health, Department of Health Services, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
authors.forename: Lawrence
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Yug
authors.affiliation: National Food Safety Program, Department of Health and Social Affairs, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
authors.forename: Steven C
authors.initials: SC
authors.lastname: Saweyog
authors.affiliation: Environmental Health Services, Division of Public Health, Department of Health Services, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tided
authors.affiliation: National Food Safety Program, Department of Health and Social Affairs, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Machieng
authors.affiliation: Department of Health, Education and Social Affairs, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia.
authors.forename: Moses
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pretrick
authors.affiliation: Wa'ab Community Health Center, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia.
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Marfel
authors.affiliation: Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Griggs
authors.affiliation: Wa'ab Community Health Center, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia.
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bel
authors.affiliation: Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
authors.forename: Mark R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Duffy
authors.affiliation: Wa'ab Community Health Center, Yap, Federated States of Micronesia.
authors.forename: W Thane
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Hancock
authors.affiliation: Epidemic Intelligence Service Field Assignments Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America.
authors.forename: Tai
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ho-Chen
authors.affiliation: Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fort Collins, Colorado, United States of America.
authors.forename: Ann M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Powers
mesh_terms: D000330:Aedes / Q000821:virology*; D000818:Animals; D065632:Chikungunya Fever / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D002646:Chikungunya virus / Q000502:physiology*; D003715:Dengue / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006801:Humans; D007303:Insect Vectors / Q000821:virology*; D008849:Micronesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D013045:Species Specificity; D000071244:Zika Virus / Q000502:physiology*; D000071243:Zika Virus Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*