http://www.examiner.com/x-28812-Altadena-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m5d12-ALERT-Rare-mosquitoes-carrying-canine-heartworm-found-in-San-Gabriel-ValleySouthern CaliforniaALERT:
ALERT: Rare mosquitoes carrying canine heartworm found in San Gabriel Valley
May 12, 2:27 PMAltadena Headlines ExaminerLaura Berthold Monteros
Protect pets like Gryphon from heartworm by following the suggestions of the SGVMVC.
photo by Laura Berthold MonterosAn increase in the population of the western tree hole mosquito (Aedes sierrensis) has caused San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control (SGVMVC) to release a warning for dog owners. The SGVMVC covers neighborhoods from Altadena to Claremont south to areas near the 60 Freeway
Mosquito traps set in April collected high numbers of this tiny mosquito. It is the primary transmitter of the Dirofilaria immitis, the parasite which causes heartworm disease in dogs, coyotes, and occasionally cats. Although human hearts are not affected, canine heartworms can in very rare cases cause nodules to form in the lungs or under the skin if people are bitten by infected mosquitoes.
