West Nile Virus More Widespread In Connecticut This Year
HARTFORD, CT (WCBS 880) - The number of mosquitos testing positive for West Nile Virus is up this year and the virus is more widespread than last, cropping now in south central Connecticut communities.
WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau On The Story
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Hot weather is the primary reason for the abundance of mosquitos that have been trapped and infected with West Nile Virus this summer, says the state's chief entomologist, Dr. Theodore Andreadis.
"If we continue with warm temperatures, in the 90s and upper 80s, we're fully expecting that the virus will increase in abundance and we're going to see this throughout the region," says Dr. Andreadis.
He says the next three weeks will be critical.
It's the season when, traditionally, we see the virus expand.
"That's when the public is at greatest risk," he tells WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.
He says the hotspot is always the I-95 corridor since the primary carrier of the virus is a mosquito that thrives in urban storm drains and catch basins.
He says to use protective sprays when outdoors.
There are not yet any human cases of West Nile Virus in Connecticut this year.
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