For years, medical entomologists have worried that the astonishing ascent of the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus) might bring not only nasty bites but also new public health surprises. After all, the mosquito is a known vector for more than 20 viral diseases.
They were right. This summer, the mosquito, which has become firmly established in southern Europe, has infected almost 200 people in Italy with chikungunya, a painful viral disease. It's the first known example of chikungunya transmission outside the tropics--and it's making scientists wonder whether A. albopictus has the potential to touch off much larger outbreaks in Europe and the United States.
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