Do All Mosquitoes Carry West Nile Virus?
No, only certain species of mosquitoes can carry the virus and transmit it efficiently to other animals. The disease is mainly transmitted between birds and mosquitoes. People and horses are dead-end hosts and therefore cannot infect other mosquitoes. In Colorado, the main mosquito vector species for the West Nile Virus is Culex tarsalis, a fairly common mosquito in most parts of the state below 8,000 feet in elevation.
No. There are approximately 74 species of mosquitoes in Canada and the virus has been found in about 10 species. It is important to note that not all species of mosquitoes that carry the virus also bite humans. The Culex species is responsible for the spread of the virus in the Windsor?Essex area because they take their blood meals from both birds and humans. Only female mosquitoes bite, therefore they are the only ones that can pass the virus to humans. Less than 1% of mosquitoes in any given area are infected with West Nile Virus, however since anyone can get West Nile Virus, it is important for everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
No. Mosquitoes are generally considered a nuisance pest, but they occasionally can transmit disease. There are 64 different species of mosquitoes know to occur in Ohio. While most cannot transmit west Nile Virus, several mosquito species common to Ohio are known to be carriers of WNV. Only female mosquitoes bite. They do this to get a blood meal for developing their eggs. Where Do Mosquitoes Live and Breed? The mosquito that carries WNV typically lay their eggs in stagnant water and water-holding containers. Weeds, tall grass and shrubbery provide an outdoor harborage for adult mosquitoes. When Are Mosquitoes Most Active? Many mosquitoes are most active two to three hours before and after dusk and again at dawn when the air is calm. This is the time when the females are most likely to bite. However, some species will feed at any time of the day. When Is The Greatest Risk of Being Exposed to an Infected Mosquito?
No. Mosquitoes are generally considered a nuisance pest, but they occasionally can transmit disease. Sixty-four different species of mosquitoes are known to occur in Ohio. While most cannot transmit West Nile Virus, several mosquito species common to Ohio are known to be carriers of WNV. Only female mosquitoes bite. They do this to get a blood meal for developing their eggs.
