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Abstract

A 10-year study (2004–2013) was conducted to determine mosquito distribution and the prevalence of West Nile virus (WNV) on the Nevada National Security Site (NNSS) in south-central Nevada. Mosquito traps baited with dry ice were set overnight at sites where standing water provided potential breeding sites for mosquitoes. Captured mosquitoes were identified to species and tested for WNV. A total of 556 mosquitoes representing 6 species were captured and identified at 20 sites around the NNSS during 124 surveys. A vast majority (89%) of mosquitoes were Culex tarsalis. Two samples, both Culiseta inornata, tested positive for WNV in 2005 and 2006, both from Well 3 Pond, Yucca Flat, Nye County. Additionally, 24 birds representing 5 species were opportunistically collected and tested for WNV with no positive results. Results from this study reveal patterns of mosquito distribution across the NNSS and suggest that NNSS workers are at low risk of being exposed to WNV.


stribución de mosquitos y la prevalencia del virus del Nilo Occidental (WNV) en el Sitio de Seguridad Nacional de Nevada (NNSS) en el centro sur de Nevada. Las trampas de mosquitos cebadas con hielo seco se instalaron durante la noche en sitios donde el agua estancada proporcionaba posibles criaderos de mosquitos. Los mosquitos capturados fueron identificados en especies y probados para el WNV. Un total de 556 mosquitos que representan 6 especies fueron capturados e identificados en 20 sitios alrededor del NNSS durante 124 encuestas. Una gran mayoría (89%) de los mosquitos eran Culex tarsalis. Dos muestras dieron positivo para WNV ambas Culiseta inornata en 2005 y 2006, ambas de Well 3 Pond. Más aun, 24 aves que representaban 5 especies fueron recolectadas oportunistamente y probadas para WNV sin resultados positivos. Los resultados de este estudio revelan patrones de distribución de mosquitos en todo el NNSS y sugieren que los trabajadores del NNSS tienen un riesgo muy bajo de estar expuestos al WNV.

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