Story perspectives

Human Blood Draws Mosquitoes, Raising Disease Outbreak Risks

1/15/2026

32 6

Summary

Story summary

Mosquitoes in Brazil's Atlantic Forest are increasingly feeding on humans as biodiversity loss reduces wildlife, heightening disease transmission risk.
The study, led by Jeronimo Alencar of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, found mosquitoes in protected areas preferred human blood.
The findings raise concerns about potential outbreaks of yellow fever and Zika.
Researchers urge targeted surveillance and prevention to curb pathogen transmission as human-mosquito contact rises.

1 of 1

Story summary

Mosquitoes in Brazil's Atlantic Forest are increasingly feeding on humans as biodiversity loss reduces wildlife, heightening disease transmission risk.
The study, led by Jeronimo Alencar of the Oswaldo Cruz Institute, found mosquitoes in protected areas preferred human blood.
The findings raise concerns about potential outbreaks of yellow fever and Zika.
Researchers urge targeted surveillance and prevention to curb pathogen transmission as human-mosquito contact rises.