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Do all mosquitoes carry West Nile Virus?

No. There are approximately 74 species of mosquitoes in Canada and the virus has been found in about 10 species.
It is important to note that not all species of mosquitoes that carry the virus also bite humans.

The Culex species is responsible for the spread of the virus in the Windsor?Essex area because they take their blood meals from both birds and humans.
Only female mosquitoes bite, therefore they are the only ones that can pass the virus to humans.
Less than 1% of mosquitoes in any given area are infected with West Nile Virus, however since anyone can get West Nile Virus, it is important for everyone to protect themselves from mosquito bites.


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