Western Colorado residents are discovering that the only thing more surprising than snow in June is a tropical mosquito that apparently didn’t get the memo about altitude. The Aedes aegypti, famed carrier of dengue, yellow fever, Zika, and general bad vibes, has established a thriving population in the Rocky Mountains, proving once again that climate change has no respect for geographical boundaries or human sanity.
Scientists had long assumed the species couldn’t survive without a reliably hot, wet climate, much like tourists who refuse to ski unless there’s a hot tub involved. But the mosquitoes appear to be adapting quickly, perhaps inspired by Colorado’s booming outdoor recreation industry. Local officials are urging residents to dump standing water, wear repellent, and remain calm, though “remain calm” has historically performed poorly as public health advice.
Meanwhile, the mosquitoes have declined to comment, presumably too busy unpacking their tiny luggage and settling into their new forever home.
