Arboviral infections are caused by viruses transmitted by arthropods (arthropod borne virus). Although up to 80% of persons who get an arboviral infection have no clinical symptoms, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) is a common and potentially life-threatening complication that is often reported among infected persons that do develop symptoms. Symptoms generally begin 1 to 2 weeks after a mosquito bite. There is no specific treatment available for arboviral infections.
The most common arboviruses in the United States include West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus, western equine encephalitis virus, Powassan encephalitis virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and La Crosse encephalitis virus. The most commonly reported arbovirus in West Virginia is La Crosse encephalitis. Arboviral infections commonly occur during the summer and fall months when mosquitoes are active. Prevention of arboviral infection includes removing containers that collect water near homes (where mosquitoes lay eggs) and the regular use of mosquito repellants.
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Aedes triseriatus is the main vector for La Crosse encephalitis. It is a day-biting mosquito species. Females usually lay their eggs in pools of water in tree holes and also in man-made water holding containers, like discarded tires.
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Mosquitoes can lay eggs even in small amounts of standing water. Discarded tires serve as perfect artificial breeding sites since water can accumulate inside of them.
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West Nile virus has been identified in more than 200 species of birds, including the American Crow. Most of these birds were identified through public reporting of dead birds.
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