Considerations of Morphologic Observations of Mosquito Species From Identifying Complete Samples in Panama City Beach, Florida

Abstract

In Panama City Beach, Florida, thirteen mosquito species have been recently registered into public health data banks over the span of 7 years [2014-2020], ten species within their published geographic range and three species outside of their noted geographic range. The underreporting is likely due to past identification practices of sub-sampling and aliquoting surveillance collections while only recording the top-most three abundant species for control application thresholds. However, these thirteen species have not been recorded in this area by public health operations up until their respective record timelines. Timelines of identification, species specific character states, the dynamic of identifying similar species and alternate identification methods are discussed. As of 2020, 10 genera and 50 species within Diptera: Culicidae are recorded in Panama City Beach, FL, U.S.A.

Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus in Tampa Bay Florida Patients Admitted to Hospital during 2020–2021 for Respiratory Symptoms

“…The state of Florida currently uses sentinel chickens and mosquito surveillance and control to determine if WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEEV) are present in local mosquito populations [14]. There are approximately 266 coops that are located throughout the densely populated areas of the state [4].…”

“…There are approximately 266 coops that are located throughout the densely populated areas of the state [4]. The surveillance data are used to create transmission models that direct public health and mosquito control efforts [14]. These flocks are viewed as ideal for non-human surveillance due to quick seroconversion, with anti-WNV antibodies being detectable only five days post infection, while maintaining low viremia that is unlikely to contribute to transmission [15,16].…”

“…These flocks are viewed as ideal for non-human surveillance due to quick seroconversion, with anti-WNV antibodies being detectable only five days post infection, while maintaining low viremia that is unlikely to contribute to transmission [15,16]. As of 2020, 26 of 67 counties in Florida had sentinel chicken coops with chickens tested on a weekly basis [14,17]. In addition, there are 90 mosquito control programs in the state that perform mosquito surveillance [18].…”