Southern California Residents On The Lookout For Rare, Dangerous Mosquito

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Los Angeles County residents are being asked to be on the lookout for a rare and potentially dangerous mosquito.

The Daily Breeze reports two vector control districts issued an alert Friday asking residents to help track the Asian tiger mosquito, which has become a growing threat in Los Angeles County.

Officials say the invasive mosquito has been found in 15 communities, up from three since last year. They are concerned the mosquito can spread chikungunya, a rare disease that can cause fever and muscle and joint ache.

Chikungunya is not spread from person to person. But if an Asian tiger mosquito bites a person who is positive for the disease, then officials say transmission is possible.