Which mosquito is known as an important secondary vector of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)?

Coquillettidia perturbans is recognized as an important secondary vector of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) due to its habitat preferences and feeding behavior. This particular species of mosquito is commonly found in marshy areas and wetlands, which are also known breeding grounds for EEE virus-carrying birds. Coquillettidia perturbans feeds on mammals and birds, thereby facilitating the transmission cycle of the EEE virus when it bites infected hosts.

In addition to its ecological niches, Coquillettidia perturbans is effective at picking up the EEE virus during its life cycle, especially in proximity to areas where the virus is prevalent. This ability to thrive in areas where the EEE virus circulates enhances its role in the dynamics of the disease’s spread.

While other mosquitoes listed also have various roles in disease transmission, they are not primarily associated with EEE as Coquillettidia perturbans is. For example, Aedes aegypti is more known for transmitting other viral diseases, such as dengue and Zika, while Culex nigripalpus is primarily associated with West Nile virus and other pathogens. Mansonia mosquitoes, on the other hand, are also implicated in other disease pathways but do not play