Which mosquito is the primary vector of West Nile Virus?

Which mosquito is the primary vector of West Nile Virus?

• A. Culex pipiens
• B. Aedes aegypti
• C. Anopheles gambiae
• D. Culex tarsalis

Answer: (D)

West Nile virus is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes in the Culex genus. In many western regions, Culex tarsalis plays a particularly prominent role due to its feeding habits and strong ability to acquire and pass on the virus, especially in habitats common there like irrigation ditches and ponds. The virus cycles between birds and these mosquitoes, and humans get infected only when bitten by an infected mosquito. While other Culex species can contribute to transmission in different areas, the Western US context often points to Culex tarsalis as the primary vector, which is why this option fits best. The other mosquitoes listed are associated with different diseases (for example, Aedes aegypti with dengue/Zika and Anopheles gambiae with malaria) and do not serve as the main West Nile vectors in this scenario.

West Nile virus is transmitted mainly by mosquitoes in the Culex genus. In many western regions, Culex tarsalis plays a particularly prominent role due to its feeding habits and strong ability to acquire and pass on the virus, especially in habitats common there like irrigation ditches and ponds. The virus cycles between birds and these mosquitoes, and humans get infected only when bitten by an infected mosquito. While other Culex species can contribute to transmission in different areas, the Western US context often points to Culex tarsalis as the primary vector, which is why this option fits best. The other mosquitoes listed are associated with different diseases (for example, Aedes aegypti with dengue/Zika and Anopheles gambiae with malaria) and do not serve as the main West Nile vectors in this scenario.