The Asian tiger mosquito has begun to invade the United States. It carries a virus that causes Chikungunya fever, a disease which causes headaches, rashes, fevers and worst of all, paralyzing joint pain. Though it is rarely fatal, there is no known cure for the disease. Up until last year, the disease was mostly found in Africa and Asia.
Though there are no known cases that originated in the United States, the Asian tiger mosquito has now migrated as far north as New York and Chicago, and could eventually carry the disease. It is also expanding its breeding season and adapting to colder temperatures. It has extended its egg laying season and delayed hibernation. In contrast to other types of mosquitos, the Asian tiger mosquito bites all day long.
Of the 129 cases in the U.S. so far this year, all of them were contracted abroad.
“Pieces are falling into place for a historic epidemic on U.S. shores,” a trio of Yale University professors wrote in a recent CNN column.
“And there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in diverse places.” Matthew 24:7
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