West Nile Virus
Vector – Culex pipiens s.l.(complex)
This complex contains both Culex pipiens pipiens (northern house mosquito) and Culex pipiens quinquefasciatus (southern house mosquito). Culex pipiens can carry a number of different diseases, including West Nile virus, Rift Valley fever, and Sindbis virus. It is also a primary vector of periodic Wuchereria bancrofti filariasis.
Pathogen
Roughly 80% of people infected with West Nile virus are asymptomatic. Others may exhibit a mild condition called West Nile fever that includes flu-like symptoms. The most severe — and rare — cases produce West Nile meningitis or encephalitis, a reaction to the virus that distresses the nervous system and the brain.
Distribution
