Certified in Public Health (CPH) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified in Public Health Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Gear up for your success!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What is the "reservoir host" for West Nile Virus?

Birds
Mosquitoes
Humans
Cattle

The correct answer is: Birds

The reservoir host for West Nile Virus is primarily birds. This relationship is crucial for the transmission of the virus, as birds can harbor the virus without exhibiting symptoms of illness. They play a pivotal role in the amplification of West Nile Virus in the environment. When mosquitoes feed on infected birds, they can acquire the virus and subsequently transmit it to other hosts, including humans and other animals. While mosquitoes are the vectors that facilitate the transmission of the virus, it is the birds that serve as the primary reservoirs, allowing for the maintenance and prevalence of the virus in the ecosystem. Humans and other larger mammals are considered incidental hosts; they do not contribute significantly to the virus's transmission cycle. In contrast, cattle and other domestic animals do not serve as reservoir hosts for this virus. Understanding these dynamics is essential for effective public health strategies aimed at controlling West Nile Virus transmission.