They found that the mosquito cells were uniquely designed to connect with hepatitis C, suggesting that these insects could indeed carry and transmit the virus. However, this is no mere laboratory experiment. As its name implies, the virus is most commonly found in Africa, West Asia, and the Middle East. During the New York City outbreak, Debriel and his colleagues developed a test for identifying viruses in the family that includes hepatitis C and the West Nile virus. Rapid diagnosis of these patients is important because they must be isolated and treated quickly.
Birds serve as carriers of the West Nile virus.
Mosquitoes become infected when they bite an infected bird, and they then spread that infection by biting humans. CDC officials recommend that people help stop mosquitoes from breeding through steps such as emptying stagnant water from flower pots and other containers, treating private swimming pools with appropriate chemicals, and removing other standing water that allows mosquitoes to grow to adulthood. For more information, visit WebMD's Diseases and Conditions Hepatitis C page. New laboratory research shows that hepatitis C can grow in mosquito cells, leading scientists to believe that the virus could possibly be spread by mosquitoes. People at highest risk for getting hepatitis C are drug abusers, people who receive transfusions, patients who require kidney dialysis, and health care workers.