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UC Davis Frontiers

Mosquitos and West Nile virus

(May 2007)

As mosquitoes emerge this spring in California, you can expect that they will be transmitting West Nile virus to quantities of birds — and to a number of humans.

This Frontiers segment features a conversation with William Reisen, who leads the research team that discovered the first mosquito in California infected with West Nile virus, and Keira Simmons, a staff researcher in the same UC Davis Center for Vectorborne Diseases lab.

Simmons, ironically, contracted the disease a few years ago, most probably through outdoors recreation in the area.

The two talk about West Nile Virus, the epidemic summers of 2002–2006 and how people can avoid getting sick.

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William Reisen, research entomologist, UC Davis Center for Vectorborne Diseases

Photo: Bill Reisen

As the leader of the research team that discovered the first mosquito in California infected with West Nile virus, Reisen is particularly interested in determining the mechanisms that allow mosquito-borne diseases to persist in California and what conditions trigger their amplification and transmission to domestic animals and humans.

Currently, he is researching urban West Nile virus transmission risks in California. He focuses his research on Culex mosquitoes and their ability to transmit arboviruses, including West Nile virus. In addition, his research encompasses the ecology of virus transmission, the susceptibility of avian reservoirs or hosts for the virus, surveillance diagnostics and data management, and mosquito control. He has authored or co-authored more than 200 refereed scientific publications.

Reisen also serves as an adjunct professor with the Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

Most recently, Reisen became the 2006 recipient of the international John N. Belkin Award and the 2006 Distinguished Achievement Award from the Society for Vector Ecology for his research in mosquito biology. He has also received a Lifetime Award for Achievement in Medical Entomology from the Society for Vector Ecology in 2001 and was named a fellow of the Entomological Society of America in 2003.

Contact: William Reisen, Center for Vectorborne Diseases, (530) 752-0124, arbo123@pacbell.net and wkreisen@ucdavis.edu

Keira Simmons, Staff Research Associate, Center for Vectorborne Diseases

Photo: Keira Simmons

Simmons is a UC Davis staff researcher who, in mid-June of 2005, developed the most severe form of West Nile virus: neuroinvasive. She became very ill. A rash spread all over her body and she developed a headache that would not go away. Her temperature shot up to 106.5 degrees. She dropped 20 pounds in a week and a half. Other symptoms included nausea, dizzy spells and inability to keep her balance. Physicians drew her blood but did not test it for West Nile virus.

She began working for the Center for Vectorborne Diseases on Nov. 21, 2005, as a staff research associate. Five months later, a routine blood test, mandated by the lab, revealed the diagnosis: West Nile virus.

Today, Simmons is the lead molecular technician in the Center for Vectorborne Diseases lab. She works in both research and surveillance. She does research with entomologist William Reisen and lab manager Ying Fang, and statewide testing of mosquito pools and dead birds.

Simmons received her bachelor of science degree in microbiology with an emphasis in medical microbiology in 2001 from UC Davis and then accepted a full-time position as a post-graduate researcher in the lab of professor Demosthenes Pappagianis, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis School of Medicine.

She is a strong advocate of reporting dead birds, and following what the Sacramento-Yolo Mosquito Vector Control District calls “the 7Ds”:

  • DRAIN any standing water that may produce mosquitoes.
  • DAWN and DUSK are times to avoid. These are the times when mosquitoes are most active.
  • DRESS appropriately by wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors.
  • DEFEND yourself against mosquitoes by using an effective insect repellent, such as DEET, Picaridin or Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. Make sure you follow label directions!
  • DOOR and window screens should be in good working condition. This will prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
  • DISTRICT personnel are available to address any mosquito problem you may be experiencing by calling 1-800-429-1022 or visit us online at FIGHTtheBITE.net.

Contact: Keira Simmons, Center for Vectorborne Diseases, (530) 752-9383, kasimmons@ucdavis.edu