We assayed Zika virus-infected mosquitoes stored at room temperature for <30 days for live virus by using plaque assay and virus RNA by using real-time reverse transcription PCR. Viable virus was detected in samples stored <10 days, and virus RNA was detected in samples held for 30 days.
Keywords: Culicidae; Vero cells; Zika virus; arboviruses; cold chain; mosquitoes; plaque assay; real-time reverse transcription PCR; virus RNA; virus detection; virus persistence in mosquitoes; viruses.