Origin of a High-Latitude Population of Aedes aegypti in Washington, DC

Abstract

An overwintering population of <i>Aedes aegypti</i> has been documented in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, DC, since 2011. Mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (<i>mtCOI</i>) sequence data presented in a previous study traced the origin to the New World. Here, we use microsatellite and 14,071 single nucleotide polymorphisms along with mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences on Washington <i>Ae. aegypti</i> samples and samples from potential sources to further narrow the origin of this population. Genetically, Washington <i>Ae. aegypti</i> are closest to populations in Florida, meaning this is the most likely source. Florida experienced the first mosquito-borne transmission of dengue in the United States after decades of absence of this disease, as well as local transmission of chikungunya and Zika in recent years. This suggests that the Capitol Hill, Washington, DC population of <i>Ae. aegypti</i> is capable of transmitting viruses such as dengue, chikungunya, and Zika in modern US city environments.