WHO, CDC: No scientific evidence of mosquito- or tick-borne transmission of SARS-CoV-2
Annapolis, MD; March 16, 2020—Amid the coronavirus crisis now unfolding around the world, some members of the public have posed questions directly to entomologists or via social media about whether mosquitoes or ticks can transmit the virus.
In short: There is currently no scientific reason to believe mosquitoes or ticks can transmit the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
According to information provided to the Entomological Society of America by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, “Mosquitoes and ticks can’t spread all types of viruses. At this time, we have no data to suggest that COVID-19 or other similar coronaviruses (e.g. SARS, MERS) are spread by mosquitoes or ticks.”
The World Health Organization expressed the same information regarding mosquitoes in its “myth busters” advice in February: “To date there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes. The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing.”
The Entomological Society of America echoes these messages about the coronavirus and encourages members of the public to seek information and follow guidelines issued by the WHO, the CDC, and state and local public health agencies.
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CONTACT: Joe Rominiecki, jrominiecki@entsoc.org, 301-731-4535 x3009
ABOUT: ESA is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA today has more than 7,000 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, the Society stands ready as a non-partisan scientific and educational resource for all insect-related topics. For more information, visit www.entsoc.org.