Can all species of mosquito carry the West Nile Virus?
• Some kinds of mosquito (Culex species) are more likely to carry the virus than others. • Salt marsh mosquitoes, which are plentiful on PEI and frequently bite humans, are not as likely to carry the virus. Where are the mosquitoes found that would be the most likely to bite humans if the virus spreads to PEI? • Mosquitoes most likely to bite humans in PEI, and spread the West Nile Virus to humans are those which breed in areas where water collects without draining. Examples include tree holes, birdbaths, clogged eaves, rain barrels, old tires, children’s toys, wheelbarrows, or any small body of water which sits long enough for mosquitoes to breed. • Mosquitoes can complete their life cycle in stagnant water in periods of as short as four days. • Although large ponds and wetlands are common places for many mosquito species to breed on PEI, these are not popular places for the kind of mosquitoes most likely to spread the virus to humans.
Related Questions
- With so many ponding basins around town full of water, what does the District do to prevent the spread of West Nile Virus through mosquito breeding?
- How many mosquito species are there in the State of Texas? How many of these mosquito species are potential carriers of West Nile Virus?
- Can all species of mosquito carry the West Nile Virus?
