Is Zika a Problem in Bogota?

Bogota, Colombia is a thriving city nestled at high altitude with specific environmental conditions that make it challenging for certain mosquitoes, like those that transmit Zika, to thrive. This article explores why Zika is not a significant concern in Bogota and discusses the mosquito situation in the city.

The Environmental Factors

The ZIKV Aedes mosquitoes are the primary vectors responsible for transmitting the Zika virus. These mosquitoes particularly thrive at sea level and up to about 1,600 meters above mean sea level in Colombia. Additionally, they require average temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius to establish and proliferate effectively.

Bogota's Unique Location and Climate

Bogota is situated at approximately 2,600 meters above mean sea level, with average temperatures ranging from 6 to 17 degrees Celsius. These environmental conditions are distinctly unfavorable for the establishment and proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes, let alone those specifically responsible for transmitting the Zika virus.

According to research by Padmanabha et al. (2020), Aedes mosquitoes cannot thrive in the high-altitude and cooler climate of Bogota. In fact, their study explicitly indicates that 'Bogota is free of vector transmission.' This finding is consistent with the rarity of mosquito sightings in Bogota, where residents very rarely encounter mosquitoes, and even fewer concerning those that might transmit Zika.

Specific Case Studies

García-Betancourt et al. (2018) notes that the city of Girardot, located at 289 meters above sea level and with average temperatures around 28 degrees Celsius, is endemic for Aedes mosquitoes and the diseases they carry. However, this situation is distinctly different from Bogota's high-altitude and cooler climate, making the spread of Zika highly unlikely in the latter.

Furthermore, the study by Chaparro et al. (2019) highlights the importance of high-altitude environments in preventing the spread of vector-borne diseases. Their findings reinforce the idea that Bogota's unique location and climate significantly reduce the risk of Zika and similar mosquito-transmitted diseases.

Local Experiences and Expert Opinions

Lifetime residents of Bogota often report that they have encountered very few, if any, mosquitoes during their time in the city. JaNette Lefkowitz corroborates this experience, sharing that she has lived in Bogota for over a decade and has yet to see a Zika-transmitting mosquito. Similarly, other residents report seeing mosquitoes very rarely, if at all, in Bogota.

It's important to note that while Bogota is free of Zika-transmitting mosquitoes, it is not entirely mosquito-free. There are other mosquito species, but they do not pose significant health risks and are more likely to cause minor bites with minimal symptoms.

Overall, the environmental and climatic conditions in Bogota make it highly unlikely for Zika to be a problem in the city. Residents can enjoy the city's clean air and pleasant weather without the added worry of mosquito-borne diseases such as Zika.

References

Padmanabha H. et al. Ecological Links Between Water Storage Behaviors and Aedes aegypti Production: Implications for Dengue Vector Control in Variable Climates.

García-Betancourt Tatiana et al. Ecobiosocial Community Intervention for Improved Aedes aegypti Control Using Water Container Covers to Prevent Dengue: Lessons Learned from Girardot, Colombia.

Chaparro Pablo E. et al. Community-based Integrated Management of Aedes aegypti in High-Altitude Urban Areas of Colombia: The Bogota Experience.