Detection of Zika Virus in Desiccated Mosquitoes by Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR and Plaque Assay

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.