Volume 3, Number 3—September 1997 Aedes albopictus in the United
States: Ten-Year Presence and Public Health Implications Since
its discovery in Houston, Texas, in 1987, the Asian "tiger
mosquito" Aedes albopictus has spread to 678 counties in 25
states. This species, which readily colonizes container habitats
in the peridomestic environment, was probably introduced into
the continental United States in shipments of scrap tires from
northern Asia. The early pattern of dispersal followed the
interstate highway system, which suggests further dispersal by
human activities. The Public Health Service Act of 1988 requires
shipments of used tires from countries with Ae. albopictus to be
treated to prevent further importations. Given the extensive
spread of the mosquito in the United States, it is questionable
whether such a requirement is still justified. Ae. albopictus, a
major biting pest throughout much of its range, is a competent
laboratory vector of at least 22 arboviruses, including many
viruses of public hea