Study Examines Fresno’s Risk for Zika Virus

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne disease, has spread at a rapid pace in much of Latin America.

According to the CDC, about 260 people have shown up at U.S. hospitals with the virus, although none of them were infected in the united states.

However, that could change in the coming months.

A new study published in the PLOS Currents: Outbreaks has found that Fresno, Sacramento, Bakersfield, Los Angeles, and San Diego are among 50 cities, in which the mosquito known to carry the Zika virus, the aedes aegypti, could survive this summer.

The cities would likely have a low abundance of such mosquitos, although cities such as Miami, Tallahassee, and Orlando could have a high abundance.

Still, researchers can’t say whether that means the u.s. will suddenly see a surge in zika virus cases.

CDC Director Tom Frieden says nothing about Zika control is quick, adding that the only thing quick is “the mosquito bite that can give it to you.”