Usutu Virus RNA in Mosquitoes, Israel, 2014–2015

We identified Usutu virus (USUV) RNA in 6 pools of mosquitoes trapped in northern Israel during 2014–2015. These Israeli strains were most similar to strains identified in Senegal and Germany, which further elucidates common ancestry and evolutionary dynamics of USUV. Our findings suggest that human infection with USUV might occur in Israel

Spatial distribution of West Nile virus in humans and mosquitoes in Israel, 2000â2014

Objectives: Israel has a long history of West Nile virus (WNV) morbidity, and the rate of detection of WNV in mosquitoes has been high since 2000. The aim of this study was to integrate several WNV datasets in order to gain an insight into the geographical distribution of WNV in Israel. Methods: Three choropleth maps were generated showing WNV human morbidity, WNV prevalence in mosquitoes, and the results of a nationwide serological survey, based on the division of Israel into 15 sub-districts. Results: The maps show a high endemicity of WNV in Israel. In respect to the morbidity map, the population residing in the central part of the country and in Arava Region is at higher risk of developing the disease than the population of the rest of Israel. Interestingly, high prevalence rates of both WNV serology and WNV-infected mosquitoes were detected in Arava Region, but lower prevalence rates were detected in most areas of the coastal region, suggesting that other factors might also be important in the development of symptomatic WNV infections. Conclusions: These results underline the high prevalence of WNV in Israel and point to specific risk areas for WNV infections across the country. Keywords: West Nile virus, Prevalence, Mosquitoes, WNV infection, Spatial distribution, Israe

Melting curve features of <i>Leishmania major</i>, <i>L</i>. <i>tropica</i>, <i>L</i>. <i>infantum/donovani</i>, <i>L</i>. <i>aethipica</i> and <i>L</i>. <i>arabica</i>.

<p>Melting curve features of <i>Leishmania major</i>, <i>L</i>. <i>tropica</i>, <i>L</i>. <i>infantum/donovani</i>, <i>L</i>. <i>aethipica</i> and <i>L</i>. <i>arabica</i>.</p

The number of dispersing sand flies, mean (MDT) and maximal (Max) travel distances.

<p>The number of dispersing sand flies, mean (MDT) and maximal (Max) travel distances.</p

Trapping efforts and sand fly data summarized according to land use category.

<p>Trapping efforts and sand fly data summarized according to land use category.</p

Number and proportion of marked non-dispersing sand flies, in the marking sites traps.

<p>Number and proportion of marked non-dispersing sand flies, in the marking sites traps.</p