Culex tarsalis is the primary vector of West Nile virus in which state?

• A. Minnesota
• B. Vermont
• C. Hawaii
• D. New York

Answer: (A)

West Nile virus spreads through several Culex mosquitoes, and which species serves as the main vector varies by region based on local mosquito populations and transmission patterns. In this material, Minnesota is identified as the state where Culex tarsalis is the primary vector, reflecting the habitat and ecology there that support this species as the main driver of transmission. Culex tarsalis thrives in agricultural and wetland areas common in parts of Minnesota, helping to sustain transmission cycles that impact humans. In other regions, different species—such as Culex pipiens/restuans or Culex quinquefasciatus—often play a stronger role, depending on climate and urban or rural mosquito communities. Hawaii and Vermont have distinct vector and transmission dynamics that make their primary vectors different from Minnesota’s.