Which mosquito species transmits La Crosse Encephalitis?

• A. Ochlerotatus triseriatus
• B. Culiseta melanura
• C. Anopheles quadrimaculatus
• D. Culex quinquefasciatus

Answer: (A)

La Crosse Encephalitis virus is transmitted mainly by the forest-dwelling mosquito Ochlerotatus triseriatus. This species breeds in tree holes and feeds in a way that connects wildlife reservoirs, like small mammals, with humans, making it the primary vector in the virus’s transmission cycle. Humans are incidental hosts, not part of the ongoing wildlife cycle. This mosquito is common in Georgia's environment, where La Crosse cases tend to occur.

Other mosquitoes listed are vectors for different diseases or play different roles in transmission ecology. Anopheles quadrimaculatus is known for malaria transmission, Culex quinquefasciatus transmits West Nile virus and other pathogens, and Culiseta melanura mainly participates in the Eastern Equine Encephalitis cycle in birds.