Past, present and future of Aedes albopictus in the United States

Aedes albopictus was first detected in Houston, Texas, in 1985. Since then it has spread to 17 states and 122 counties. This exotic species from Asia appears to have arrived in the U.S. in imported used tire casings. Public health concerns have been raised regarding the potential of this species to serve as a vector of arboviruses indigenous to the U.S., such as La Crosse encephalitis, and also for imported dengue. The Division of Vector-Borne Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control, has actively pursued a program to determine the distribution of Ae. albopictus in the U.S., monitor the spread of the species and implement procedures that would eliminate the risk of further importation of exotic mosquitoes in used tire casings. The latter goal was achieved in large measure in 1988 with a 98% reduction in imported used tires containing water. The ultimate consequences of establishment of Ae. albopictus in the U.S. is unknown; however, because of its biologic characteristics and broad viral susceptibility, it seems likely that this species will eventually become involved as an arbovirus vector in the U.S.