New Mosquito Species Detected in West Bengal

The West Bengal Health Department has intensified dengue surveillance after identifying Aedes lineatopennis, a new mosquito species, in the state for the first time.

While the species is known to transmit Rift Valley fever in Africa, officials stated there is currently no scientific evidence linking it to dengue, Zika, or chikungunya transmission in India.

The state reported six dengue cases through July 2026, with the next high-level review meeting scheduled for August 17 to monitor the situation across districts and blocks.