La Crosse virus (LACV) is the leading cause of pediatric arboviral neuroinvasive disease in the United States, with a persistent cluster in western North Carolina (NC). To assess human exposure to LACV vectors, we developed species-specific salivary gland ELISAs (sgELISAs) for Aedes triseriatus, Ae. albopictus, and Ae. japonicus. Sera from two cohorts, general NC residents (n = 132) and household members of La Crosse virus neuroinvasive disease (LACVND) cases (n = 17), were tested for IgG antibodies to each species' salivary gland extract. IgG levels to Ae. albopictus were highest statewide, consistent with its abundance and host preferences. Notably, LACVND household members had significantly higher IgG levels to Ae. triseriatus than the general population, indicating increased local exposure to the primary vector. These findings support the use of sgELISAs for detecting LACV vector exposure risk and further demonstrate the need for targeted vector-control strategies against Ae. triseriatus at LACVND case residences.
Alexander et al. (2026) studied this question.