Which mosquito species is the primary vector for West Nile Virus in Georgia?

• A. Culex quinquefasciatus
• B. Aedes vexans
• C. Culiseta melanura
• D. Ochlerotatus triseriatus

Answer: (A)

West Nile Virus is spread mainly by Culex mosquitoes, with the southern house mosquito, Culex quinquefasciatus, being the key vector for human cases in Georgia. This species is common in urban and peri-urban areas, breeds in standing water, and readily feeds on both birds and humans, making it efficient at transmitting WNV to people. Other mosquitoes listed have different typical roles: Aedes vexans can carry WNV but is not the primary vector in Georgia; Culiseta melanura mainly maintains the virus in a bird-dominated cycle and is less likely to bridge to humans; Ochlerotatus triseriatus is more associated with other viruses like eastern equine encephalitis.