Mosquitos transmit a variety of arboviruses or arthropod-borne viruses. People serve as primary vertebrate hosts for viruses such as Chikungunya, Dengue, Yellow fever, and Zika virus. Two mosquito species that are known to transmit these viruses are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Both species originated outside of the United States, but have been transported globally throughout the tropical, subtropical, and temperate parts of the world through global shipping and trade. Aedes albopictus has adapted to survive in broader temperature ranges and they typically live in closer proximity to people than Aedes aegypti.

Both mosquito species are found in Kansas, as well as other species such as Culex spp. mosquitos which can transmit West Nile Virus. West Nile Virus, and all other arboviral diseases, is a reportable disease in Kansas. It is a passive surveillance system and healthcare providers and/or laboratories are required to report cases to KDHE. Data derived from mosquito surveillance and surveys assists KDHE to determine human risk levels by determining vector presence, abundance, and case counts.

For more information please click on KDHE Arboviral Disease Surveillance or call the EpiHotline at (877) 427-7317.

An Aedes mosquito survey was conducted in 2016 to determine the range of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitos in Kansas. Mosquito trapping activities and testing was conducted county by county until the species of mosquitos were no longer found. Seventy-seven percent of Kansas counties were surveyed.

The Aedes species mosquito distribution maps were created from data obtained during a point-in-time survey of the state in 2016 by Dr. Christopher Rogers with the Kansas Biological Survey in partnership with KDHE. These maps are approximations of the distribution of these mosquitoes and will change over time. These maps are not meant to represent risk for spread of disease.

The range of the different mosquito species is shown on the maps that can be accessed by clicking on the search data button in the upper right hand corner of the page.