Historically, Aedes aegypti (L.) was present in northern Chile between the cities of Arica (18°28'S/70°18'W) and Caldera (27°03'S/70°49'W). It was eradicated from northern Chile in the 1950s by the use of DDT. In April 2016, Aedes aegypti (L.) was once again detected in northern Chile after an absence of more than 60 years. This finding suggests a reintroduction of the species to northern Chile or a dispersal from an adjacent country (or both). Given the immense importance of this mosquito as a vector of flavi-viruses (i.e. yellow fever, dengue, Chikungunya, Zika), this recurrence presents a new challenge for public health authorities in Chile.