7 - Whitewater Mosquito Patrol: Rafting the River, Battling the Bite

In recent years, the invasive mosquito Aedes japonicus has become abundant in riverine rock pools in the mountains of western North Carolina (WNC). This species is mammalophagic and is a likely vector of La Crosse virus, which is endemic to WNC. Outdoor recreation, particularly whitewater rafting and fly fishing, puts citizens at increased risk of contact with riverine rockpool mosquitoes. Here, we share our team’s experiences combining mosquito control methods with whitewater rafting.