RAMP Testing

The control of West Nile virus (WNV) is the main goal of Wahpeton Vector Control. A vital part of WNV control is knowing when WNV is active in the community by testing mosquitoes captured in traps placed around the community.

We collect mosquitoes captured in our traps and test them the same day. Mosquitoes capable of transmitting WNV are sorted out and tested with a machine called RAMP. The results of the test are available an hour and a half after the testing process starts. Without this machine it could take days or weeks to get results from the state lab. The addition of this machine is a great enhancement to our Vector Control Program.