West Nile Virus Testing Procedures

The video explains how Pennsylvania tests mosquitoes for West Nile virus, detailing the process from sample collection to RNA extraction and automated testing. It highlights the steps involved in isolating the virus and the coordination with counties to manage positive cases.

Which state tests more mosquitoes for West Nile virus than Pennsylvania?

• Florida

• California

• Texas

• New York

What is the first step in processing mosquito samples at the lab?

• Labeling samples with a barcode

• Sending samples to the molecular lab

• Sorting mosquitoes by species

• Storing samples on dry ice

What is the purpose of adding copper-coated BBs to the vials?

• To preserve the mosquito samples

• To crush the mosquito bodies

• To label the samples

• To extract DNA from the samples

What is the role of the centrifuge in the RNA extraction process?

• To add a fluid solution to the samples

• To create a pellet of crushed mosquito bits

• To mix the mosquito bits into the solution

• To label the samples

What is included in the cocktail used for testing West Nile virus?

• Dry ice

• Barcode labels

• Copper-coated BBs

• A fluorescent probe

How does the instrument display the detection of West Nile virus?

• In a graph

• By changing color

• With a fluorescent light

• Through a barcode

What is the significance of the Green Line in the graph displayed by the instrument?

• It represents the time taken for testing

• It marks the threshold for a positive result

• It shows the number of mosquitoes tested

• It indicates a negative result

What action is taken once positive samples are identified?

• Samples are discarded

• Counties are contacted

• Samples are retested

• Mosquitoes are released

Why are spray events conducted in areas with high levels of positives?

• To increase mosquito population

• To collect more mosquitoes

• To test more samples

• To safeguard public health

What is the main goal of the Department of Environmental Protection's mosquito testing?

• To increase mosquito population

• To identify areas with West Nile virus

• To reduce the number of mosquitoes

• To test new mosquito species