What types of animals are typically hosts for mosquitoes transmitting LaCrosse encephalitis?

Mosquitoes that transmit LaCrosse encephalitis primarily feed on small mammals, particularly squirrels and chipmunks. These animals serve as the main reservoir hosts for the virus, allowing it to replicate and circulate in the environment. When a mosquito takes a blood meal from an infected squirrel or chipmunk, it can acquire the virus, which can then be transmitted to humans through subsequent bites.

This cycle involves the mosquitoes, the animal hosts, and the potential human hosts, showcasing the importance of wildlife in the ecology of disease transmission. Squirrels and chipmunks being the reservoir species is critical for understanding the spread of LaCrosse encephalitis and highlights the significance of monitoring these populations in vector control strategies.