150 Mosquito Traps Set Up In Multnomah County

A new aggressive species of mosquito is turning up in Portland and it’s known to carry the West Nile Virus.

The county is setting up 150 mosquito traps all across the Multnomah county. Ecologists are looking to test all mosquitos found in this area but are specifically looking for the Rock Pool mosquito.

It’s a particularly aggressive species native to Asia known to carry West Nile Virus, Dengue Fever and Encephalitis. It was first discovered in Multnomah county five years ago but is spreading.

And don’t think it comes out just at night.

“It’s a day biter which we do have some day biters in this area but adding one more day biter to the mix that can carry West Nile Virus has potential for disease transmission that we’re concerned with,” says Multnomah County Vector ecologist Carl Pierce.  Read more