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Worst of Two Worlds: Hybrid mosquitoes spread West Nile virus

By Ben Harder

- More than 2 years ago

Mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus in North America are a blend of two strains that remain essentially distinct in the Old World, researchers report. Interbreeding may explain why the insects often bite both birds and people in North America but generally only one or the other in Europe.

SKEETER FEEDER. Hybridization of Culex mosquitoes may influence their feeding behavior and capacity to spread West Nile virus, which can cause fatal human disease.