Viruses Found in Mosquitoes in B.C.’s Sea to Sky Region During Testing
Researchers found two invasive mosquito species carrying California serogroup virus, which can cause encephalitis and meningitis, after three pediatric cases prompted the search.
- On Monday, health officials in British Columbia announced the detection of invasive mosquitoes and California serogroup virus in the Sea-to-Sky region north of Vancouver, reported by the BCCDC, Vancouver Coastal Health, the University of British Columbia, and the Provincial Health Services Authority.
- Scientists began looking for invasive mosquitoes between Squamish and Pemberton after a cluster of pediatric encephalitis cases in the region during 2024 triggered the investigation.
- Senior scientist Anya Smith with the BCCDC reported detecting the northern house mosquito, native to Africa, Asia, and Europe, though low virus levels prevented confirmation of the specific strain while the risk of serious illness remains low.
- Between 2009 and 2024, there were 15 known cases of the virus in British Columbia, though officials recorded no known cases within the Sea-to-Sky corridor during 2025.
- Rising temperatures due to climate change may increase human exposure to mosquitoes, Stefan Iwasawa with the BCCDC stated, emphasizing that understanding these species helps inform future preparedness and prevention efforts.
29 Articles
29 Articles
The Toronto Star
Invasive mosquitoes and brain-swelling virus detected in B.C.‘s Sea-to-Sky region
VANCOUVER - Health officials in British Columbia say invasive mosquitoes and a virus that can cause brain swelling in humans have been detected in the Sea-to-Sky region north of Vancouver,
Winnipeg Free Press
Invasive mosquitoes and brain-swelling virus detected in B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky region
VANCOUVER - Health officials in British Columbia say invasive mosquitoes and a virus that can cause brain swelling in humans have been detected in the Sea-to-Sky region north of Vancouver, after an investigation triggered by a cluster of childhood encephalitis cases.
Health study finds illness causing virus in Sea to Sky corridor mosquitoes
Health researchers have confirmed that mosquitoes carrying California serogroup virus, which sometimes causes brain swelling, are present in the Sea-to-Sky The post Health study finds illness causing virus in Sea to Sky corridor mosquitoes appeared first on The Squamish Reporter.
Invasive mosquitoes and brain-swelling virus detected in B.C.'s Sea-to-Sky region – Energeticcity.ca
A mosquito is shown in a laboratory in Strathroy, Ont., on May 10, 2007. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Dave Chidley VANCOUVER — Health officials in British Columbia say invasive mosquitoes and a virus that can cause brain swelling in humans have been detected in the Sea-to-Sky region north of Vancouver, after an investigation triggered by a cluster of childhood encephalitis cases. Scientists began looking for the invasive mosquitoes between Squamish and Pe…
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