Culex and Japanese encephalitis — DTM&H MCQ

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ModerateEntomology and vector controlCulex and Japanese encephalitisDTM&H

A rural Asian district has encephalitis outbreaks linked to rice paddies and pigs. Night-biting mosquitoes breed in flooded fields. What is the vector or intermediate host most relevant to this infection?

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Correct answer: E — Culex mosquito

Culex mosquito is the single best answer because Japanese encephalitis is transmitted mainly by Culex mosquitoes in enzootic cycles involving pigs and wading birds. Aedes aegypti is plausible in a related presentation, but it is less appropriate because it does not fit the key discriminator in this vignette. The teaching point is that vaccination is the main individual protection for high-risk populations.

Reference: WHO Global Vector Control Response; Manson's Tropical Diseases; CDC Yellow Book 2026