Yellow fever mosquito species found in Skåne, Sweden

The Aedes aegypti mosquito, commonly known as the yellow fever mosquito, has been discovered in a mosquito trap in Malmö, Skåne. This marks the first time the species has been recorded in Sweden.

While the species is known to transmit serious viral diseases including dengue fever, Zika virus, chikungunya, and yellow fever, Swedish veterinary authorities (SVA) confirmed that no viruses were detected in the found specimen. Experts suggest the mosquito may have arrived via luggage, vehicles, or imported plants.

René Bødker, a senior researcher at the University of Copenhagen, expressed concern regarding the presence of the species so close to Denmark. However, researchers from both Sweden and Denmark do not expect the mosquito to establish a permanent population, as it is a heat-loving species that is unlikely to survive a Scandinavian winter.