Which are among the most common diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in Minnesota?

Which are among the most common diseases transmitted by mosquitoes in Minnesota?

• A. Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and yellow fever
• B. West Nile Virus, La Crosse Encephalitis, Eastern equine encephalitis, and Jamestown Canyon virus disease
• C. Malaria, dengue, malaria, and West Nile Virus
• D. La Crosse Encephalitis, West Nile Virus only

Answer: (B)

In Minnesota, the mosquitoes that bite people transmit a set of diseases that are actually established in the region, not just occasional travelers’ illnesses. West Nile Virus is widespread and routinely causes human cases there. La Crosse Encephalitis is a classic Midwest mosquito-borne illness that’s commonly seen in that area, especially in kids. Jamestown Canyon virus is a California serogroup virus that has been identified in Minnesota’s mosquito populations and human cases. Eastern equine encephalitis also occurs in the region, though much less commonly than West Nile or La Crosse Encephalitis, it remains a risk. Together, these four represent the mosquito-borne diseases you’d most expect to encounter in Minnesota. The other choices mix illnesses that are not typically found in Minnesota. Dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever are largely tropical or travel-associated in this context, and malaria is not locally transmitted in Minnesota.

In Minnesota, the mosquitoes that bite people transmit a set of diseases that are actually established in the region, not just occasional travelers’ illnesses. West Nile Virus is widespread and routinely causes human cases there. La Crosse Encephalitis is a classic Midwest mosquito-borne illness that’s commonly seen in that area, especially in kids. Jamestown Canyon virus is a California serogroup virus that has been identified in Minnesota’s mosquito populations and human cases. Eastern equine encephalitis also occurs in the region, though much less commonly than West Nile or La Crosse Encephalitis, it remains a risk. Together, these four represent the mosquito-borne diseases you’d most expect to encounter in Minnesota.

The other choices mix illnesses that are not typically found in Minnesota. Dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever are largely tropical or travel-associated in this context, and malaria is not locally transmitted in Minnesota.