For the first time, a previously undiscovered mosquito species called Culex modestus has been detected in Finland. This finding not only adds to the total number of mosquito species identified in the country, reaching a count of 44 but also represents the northernmost observation of this specific species in Europe. Until now, similar species had only been observed in the Leningrad region of Russia and the Skåne region of Sweden, both located farther south compared to Finland.
Lorna Culverwell, a researcher from the Department of Virology at the University of Helsinki, made a significant discovery regarding a new mosquito species. Culverwell collected insect samples from the coastal regions of Finland in the summer of 2022, leading to the identification of this species. Through careful examination of the mosquito’s genitalia and DNA analysis, Culverwell confirmed it to be Culex modestus. While only one specimen was found, Culverwell believes it is improbable that this is the sole representative of its kind in Finland.
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Present No Infectious Threat in Finland
According to Culverwell, the discovery of the Culex modestus mosquito is valuable for expanding our knowledge of mosquito distribution. Having up-to-date information on mosquito species helps us understand their potential role as disease vectors, transmitting viruses or parasites.
In Southern Europe, the Culex modestus mosquito is known to transmit the West Nile virus between birds, humans, and horses. The West Nile virus, a member of the Flavivirus genus, usually causes mild infections characterized by symptoms like fever, headache, and muscle pain. Although the virus has not been detected in Finland so far, understanding the presence of the mosquito species is crucial.
Culverwell assured Finnish citizens that there is no cause for concern regarding this mosquito discovery, as there have been no reported cases of infections in humans or horses in Finland. However, the finding emphasizes the importance of knowing the mosquito species in our surroundings. By studying diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in other parts of the world, we can better assess the potential risks of future infections.
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Mosquitoes of the Culex genus, like Culex pipiens and Culex modestus, can carry the West Nile virus in bird populations. Humans can become infected if bitten by a mosquito that previously fed on an infected bird. The virus takes a few days to appear in the mosquito’s saliva before it can be transmitted to humans. In some cases, infected female mosquitoes can pass the virus to their eggs.
Culverwell clarified that the current transmission of the virus to humans or horses is highly unlikely due to various factors. First, the West Nile virus must be present in local or migratory birds, which has not been observed in Finland. Second, only one Culex modestus mosquito has been found in a single location. For transmission to occur, a larger population of these mosquitoes would be needed to interact with bird populations and survive long enough to bite humans or horses.
Culverwell has been collecting mosquito samples in Finland since 2012, but the duration of the presence of Culex modestus in the country remains unknown. It is also uncertain whether the discovered location represents a permanent population of this species. Further research is required to understand the implications on bird and mosquito populations in both the short and long term.
Given the likelihood of climate warming impacting mosquito species abundance, studying Finnish mosquito populations is crucial. While some species may disappear, warmer winters could facilitate the expansion of southern species into Finland. Many mosquito species found in Southern Europe have the potential to transmit diseases not yet present in Finland. Research is necessary to assess the disease agents in each region and the associated risks to animals and humans.
The research findings were published in the Journal of the European Mosquito Control Association on June 25, 2023.
According to info from NCBI. Human malaria is only transmitted by anopheline mosquitoes. Other mosquito species like Aedes spp. and Culex spp. can transmit different human pathogens such as viruses and filarial worms, but they have never been observed to transmit mammalian malaria. These mosquitoes can transmit avian malaria and allow partial development of mammalian-infectious Plasmodium parasites, suggesting that physiological barriers in the mosquitoes prevent parasite transmission. The exact mechanisms involved are not yet understood, but it is likely that the mosquito immune system plays a role in eliminating Plasmodium. However, Plasmodium has shown the ability to adapt to new vectors, and with human-induced ecological changes, there is a possibility of human-infectious Plasmodium parasites adapting to culicine mosquitoes. Such an occurrence could have significant epidemiological implications and should be given attention.
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West Nile Symptoms and Signs
The normal incubation period for West Nile virus is 2-6 days, but it can last up to 15 days.
Most people infected with West Nile virus are asymptomatic or experience a flu-like illness
About 20% of people bitten by an infected mosquito develop symptoms of West Nile fever
1 in 150 people bitten by an infected mosquito develops West Nile, a severe form of West Nile encephalitis
Symptoms of West Nile fever:
- Sudden onset of high fever (usually >102°F)
- Severe headache
- nausea
- Vomiting
- sore throat
- back pain
- joint pain
- Prominent muscle aches and weakness
- Prolonged fatigue
- Rash (more associated with West Nile fever than encephalitis)
- Swollen lymph nodes
West Nile encephalitis
Less than 1% of those infected with West Nile develop severe neurological symptoms consistent with encephalitis or meningitis.
- Symptoms of West Nile encephalitis include:
- Mood changes
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
- Altered reactions
- Seizures (less frequent)
- 15% progress into a coma
- Acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) occurs in a small percentage of severely affected patients
The mortality rate for those showing symptoms of severe West Nile infection (encephalitis or meningitis) is about 10%. Most severe cases occur in the elderly.
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1. is malaria contagious
A. No. Malaria is not spread from person to person like the common cold or flu, and it is not sexually transmitted. You can’t get malaria from casual contact with people who have malaria, such as sitting next to someone who has malaria.