This Destination Was the Only Mosquito-free Country in the World-Until Now

"Culiseta annulata mosquitoes have arrived in Iceland and appeared to be surviving. The species, which is found in Europe, the U.K., and Nordic countries, is large and has adapted to cold climates."

"While the Culiseta annulata species is not deadly, it can carry a cocktail of infectious agents including four of the nine recognised group 1 carcinogens, as well as eight other infectious agents that the literature has linked with cancer."

"The Icelandic Institute of Natural History believes that the mosquitos arrived in Iceland by freight. They were first discovered in October 2025 by a bug enthusiast named Björn Hjaltason on a farm north of Reykjavík."

Culiseta annulata mosquitoes have been confirmed in Iceland, marking a significant change for the region previously known for being mosquito-free. These mosquitoes can survive cold temperatures by seeking shelter in human-made structures. While not primary carriers of severe tropical diseases, they can carry various infectious agents linked to cancer. The species was first discovered in October 2025 by an enthusiast, raising concerns about the potential health implications for the local population and the environment.

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