Scientists are worried about the emergence of a new kind of mosquito that has been discovered

"thriving" in at least three South Florida counties because it may spread diseases including West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis

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A recent study conducted by faculty at the UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Center and published in the Journal of Medical Entomology

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Reveals that a mosquito with the scientific name Culex lactator is the newest to establish in the Sunshine State.

It belongs to the Culex mosquito family, which is known for transmitting illnesses like West Nile and St. Louis encephalitis.

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But, it's unclear at this time whether Florida will experience an increase in the spread of these viruses as a result of the new Culex lactator.

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