&EPA
United States
Environmental
Protection Agency
Protect Yourself
Wear long sleeves and
pants, especially when
near stagnant or
polluted water.
Be mindful of
mosquito activity,
which peaks at dusk
and dawn in summer
months.
Consider using
mosquito repellants, if
necessary, that
contain DEBT.
Broadleaf arrowhead
West Nile Virus (WNV) first appeared in the United States in
1999. Since its inital outbreak in New York City, the virus
has spread across the country from East to West. Female
mosquitoes transmit the virus primarily by infecting
birds. Occasionally, mosquitoes transfer the virus from
birds to humans, most of whom experience no
symptoms. One out of five infected people develop West
Nile fever, characterized by mild, flu-like symptoms.
Infection can sometimes, although rarely, be fatal for
humans. Since West Nile is lethal in some bird species,
unusual bird deaths may signal human outbreaks.
Are Wetlands a Threat?
Healthy wetlands are not uncontrolled
breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Healthy wetlands sustain numerous species of
mosquito-eating fish, amphibians, insects and
birds, all of which help limit mosquito
populations.
The principal mosquito carrier of West Nile
virus on the East coast, Culexpipiens, does
not prefer to reproduce in most wetlands.
These species reach greatest numbers in large
urban centers, breeding easily in artificial
containers—birdbaths, discarded tires,
buckets—and in human-created environments,
such as clogged gutters, animal waste lagoons
and sewage effluent. Adapted to polluted
habitats, these Culex species generally avoid
Disease Transmission
Mosquitoes are the primary vectors of West Nile, meaning they carry
the virus from host to host. While nectar is their primary food source,
females take blood in order to develop their eggs. Mosquito activity is
reduced in colder months, but the virus may still persist in dormant
mosquitoes and eggs that survive winter.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 43
mosquito species in the United States have tested positive for West Nile
virus. The most common carriers are the House mosquito (Culex
pipiens) on the East coast and Culex tarsalisin the West. Because it
readily feeds on humans, Culex salinarius is also an important vector.
Since mosquitoes primarily infect birds, unusual bird deaths may signal
a WNV outbreak and should be reported to appropriate local, county or
state agencies. Based on analysis of 2001 and 2002 data, the CDC
reports that counties that report WNV-infected dead birds early in the
transmission season are more likely to report subequent WNV disease
cases in humans.
swamps and salt marshes altogether.
Damaged or degraded wetlands can provide ideal
habitat for some mosquito species that carry West
Nile. Excess nutrients in contaminated waters can
spur microbial growth and cause harmful algal
blooms, which feed mosquito larvae. Filling or
draining wetlands may also increase mosquito
outbreaks, as an altered landscape with stagnant
pools of water may no longer contain mosquito
predators.
Sometimes, even healthy wetlands may harbor
large numbers of mosquito species that carry
WNV. Unlike Culex pipiens, Culex tarsalis, the
major WNV vector in western states, prefers to
breed in clean water. Therefore, it may be
necessary to use appropriate mosquito control
measures to prevent WNV disease transmission.
Culex pipiens (House mosquito)
Culex pipiens is the primary West Nile vector in the
eastern United States. It can be found in urban and
suburban settings, has a flight range of 1/4 to 1 mile and
prefers to breed in standing water, especially in water
polluted with organic matter.
Culex salinarius
Found in fresh and saltwater marshes, lakes and ponds,
Culex salinarius also prefers artificial containers around
human residences and businesses. Because it readily
feeds on humans, evidence indicates that it may be
responsible for transmitting West Nile to people.
Culex tarsalis (Western Encephalitis mosquito)
An abundant mosquito in Western States, it breeds
primarily in irrigated agricultural areas and in temporary
or seasonal depressions. It is most active at dusk and
feeds on humans, domesticated animal and birds. It is the
primary vector for West Nile in the midwestern and
western states.
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Protect Your Home & Community
Eliminate stagnant water
Limit the number of places available for
mosquitoes to lay their eggs by
eliminating standing water sources from
around your home (e.g., tires, garden pots
and bird baths).
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Protect wetlands from pollution
Including runoff from farms, lawns
and roads with buffers, since
contaminated water attracts
mosquitoes,
Check Stormwater Systems
Ensure that stormwater
catchments and constructed
etlands are properly designed
and maintained.
Install Screens
Install or repair screens on doors
and windows so that mosquitoes
cannot get indoors.
Consider Using Pesticides
If necessary, try larvicides before
adulticides, since larvicides more
effectively control mosquitoes.
Carefully follow instructions on the
pesticide's label.
Wetland Restoration
and Mosquito Reduction in New Hampshire
Prior to its restoration in 1999, the two-acre Edmond Avenue wetland
was in critical condition. Residential development near Portsmouth,
New Hampshire, had partially filled the wetland, and urban and
stormwater runoff had contaminated the water. Increased sedimentation
had reduced the extent of open
water, and invasive plants choked out
native species.
By 1996, the continued degradation
of the Edmond Avenue wetland
transformed the ecosystem into a
major breeding site for mosquitoes,
including the Culex species primarily
responsible for West Nile
transmission. During 1996-1999, the
application of mosquito larvicides
and sprays jumped to 4-5 times per year, a four-fold increase from the
previous 15 years. Since its restoration in 1999, the Edmond Avenue
wetland no longer requires mosquito
control measures. The restored
wetland lacks stagnant depressions
and is deep enough in some areas to
support fish that eat mosquitoes.
Wave action also disrupts mosquito
breeding. Results have been
astonishing—a near 100% reduction
in mosquito habitat and the virtual
elimination of Cu7exspecies, not to
mention improved water quality and
bird habitat.
Degraded wetland - shallow,
stagnant pools harbor many
mosquitoes.
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