Microbiology Practice Exam 2026 - Free Microbiology Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct answer is West Nile virus, which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. This virus is primarily carried by birds and can be transmitted to humans and other animals when an infected mosquito feeds on their blood. Understanding the vector-borne nature of West Nile virus highlights the importance of mosquito control to prevent outbreaks, as environmental factors such as standing water can increase mosquito populations.

In contrast, Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, primarily transmitted by triatomine bugs, not mosquitoes. African sleeping sickness is caused by the Trypanosoma brucei parasite, and it is transmitted by the tsetse fly. Chicken pox is a viral infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus and is spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected person's rash, rather than through insect vectors. This distinction helps in understanding the ecological and epidemiological factors involved in the transmission of these diseases.