A recent study from the UC Berkeley School of Public Health suggests that mosquitoes may be more adaptable to rising temperatures than previously thought, increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases like West Nile virus, dengue, and malaria.

Researchers examined the western tree hole mosquito (Aedes sierrensis) over multiple generations, raising them in both normal and high temperatures. Genetic analysis revealed that mosquitoes exposed to heat developed structural changes in their DNA, allowing them to tolerate higher temperatures.

This finding challenges the common belief that climate change will push mosquitoes into cooler regions. Instead, it suggests that mosquitoes may evolve quickly enough to survive in warming climates, potentially expanding their disease-carrying range.

With mosquito-borne illnesses already spreading in areas once thought too cold, researchers stress the importance of proactive mosquito control and continued monitoring of mosquito populations.

📢 Protect yourself and your community:

• Eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
• Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing outdoors.
• Report potential mosquito breeding sites in your area.