Mick Lee

Mick Lee

Mick Lee is a Chicago radio personality and the Program Director of WLIT, 93.9 LITE FM. Originally from upstate NY, Mick wanted to be a radio DJ as a...Full Bio

 

Watch Out The New "Ankle Biter" Mosquitoes are in Illinois

Have you noticed some different bites on your legs as summer is coming to an end?

Well, it may be from the "Aedes mosquito" where bites become inflamed and turn into red welts

It has been nicknamed the "ankle biter" because they typically attack the leg and lower body area on people.

If you hang out in the backyard alot barbecuing or at the pool, you could be getting attacked by this bug (especially in the shade).

Apparently, these mosquito don't belong in the Midwest! They are native to tropical and subtropical climates." But they are reproducing at rapid rates and can make their way up to as far north as mid-Illinois according to the CDC. More north near Chicago is unlikely this summer, but still possible!

The CDC also warns that ankle biters can become infected with and spread Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses. So try to avoid being bitten!

The image below shows the estimated range of the bugs from 2017 provided by the CDC.


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