Global risk of Zika virus depends critically on vector status of Aedes albopictus

Abstract

Constância F J Ayres1 recently pointed out that Zika virus has been collected from several mosquito species including those from the genera, Anopheles, Culex, and Mansonia besides Aedes. Moreover, at least ten Aedes species are known to harbour Zika virus. However, the presence of the virus does not automatically make the species an efficient vector for the disease. It is, therefore, unfortunate that a recent risk map published in The Lancet considers Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus together.