The health authorities say there is a new mosquito species in Jamaica.
The Asia tiger mosquito or aedes albopictus which is similar to the aedes aegypti mosquito was recently discovered.
Acting Chief Public Health Inspector for St. Catherine, Grayston Hutchinson says following surveillance throughout the island, the Asian Tiger mosquito which transmits diseases such as dengue was discovered.
He confirmed the presence of the mosquito following questioning from Councillors at Thursday's monthly meeting of the St. Catherine Municipal Corporation.
The Asia tiger mosquito or aedes albopictus is a native of Southeast Asia.
The insect is called a tiger mosquito for its striped appearance, which resembles that of the tiger.
Similar to the aedes aegypti mosquito, the female is the carrier of several viruses, including yellow fever, dengue, Chikungunya and Zika.
Prepared for rainy season
The St. Catherine Health Department says preparations are advanced for the the rainy season which started this month and the expected increase in the mosquito population.
Meantime, The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) has issued a warning to the region to gear-up for the possibility of a major outbreak of dengue fever this year.
CARPHA's chief executive director, Dr. James Hospedales, notes that the virus has been increasing in frequency over the past 30 years.
He says reports from Latin America show an increase in cases of dengue in recent months, and the Caribbean can expect it will be here soon.
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