The discovery of West Nile virus in overwintering Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.
In February 2003, a pool of 6 Culex pipiens mosquitoes collected in Lehigh County, PA, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). West Nile viral RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. This is the first time in Pennsylvania and the third time in North America that WNV has been found in overwintering adult mosquitoes.
Bugbee
Louise M
LM
Penn State Cooperative Extension, Lehigh County, Allentown, PA 18104, USA.
Forte
Leonard R
LR
D000818:Animals; D003465:Culex / Q000821:virology*; D010414:Pennsylvania; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012621:Seasons; D014902:West Nile virus / Q000502:physiology*