Home / Science / New Mosquitoes Thrive in NL, Carry Viruses
New Mosquitoes Thrive in NL, Carry Viruses
12 Jan
Summary
- Invasive mosquito species are thriving in Newfoundland's climate.
- Mosquitoes carry viruses like Snowshoe hare and Jamestown Canyon.
- Ticks carrying Lyme disease bacteria are found but not established.
A recent study from Memorial University has identified several invasive mosquito species thriving in Newfoundland and Labrador, some of which carry viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms and neurological issues in humans. These findings, released in the summer of 2025, highlight the impact of global warming on local insect populations and disease transmission.
The research, which involved citizen scientists collecting samples in 2018 and 2019, mapped the provincial distribution of mosquitoes and viruses for the first time. While viruses such as Snowshoe hare and Jamestown Canyon have been previously detected, the proliferation of new, disease-carrying mosquito species is a growing concern, exacerbated by increasing international travel and trade.
Concurrently, ticks carrying the bacteria for Lyme disease have been found in the province, primarily arriving via migratory birds. Although these ticks are a concern, experts note that they have not yet established self-sustaining populations due to a lack of suitable native host animals. Public health officials advise preventative measures against both mosquito and tick bites.
