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Officials said recent heat waves and high humidity have made the environment ideal for mosquitoes to spread the virus.<\/p>\n
CONNECTICUT, USA – Officials reported Thursday that mosquitoes found in 17 Connecticut towns and cities have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) and said they expect more to come. <\/p>\n
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station<\/a> (CAES) reports infected mosquitoes in Branford, Bridgeport, Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, Hartford, Ledyard, Milford, New Canaan, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford, Stratford, Wallingford, West Haven, Westport and Woodstock.<\/p>\n RELATED: Study: More than half of known infectious diseases worsened by climate change<\/strong><\/p>\n “We are seeing a sharp increase in the number of West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes, particularly in coastal Fairfield and New Haven counties and the Hartford metropolitan area,” said Dr. Philip Armstrong, CAES medical entomologist. “We anticipate greater geographic spread and accumulation of West Nile virus in mosquitoes, with increased risk of human infection, between now and September.”<\/p>\n CAES director Dr. Jason White cited recent heat waves and high humidity as providing favorable conditions for mosquitoes that transmit the virus. <\/p>\n “We urge everyone to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent and covering bare skin, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” White advised. <\/p>\n Subscribe to FOX61 Newsletters: <\/span>Morning forecast, morning headlines, evening headlines<\/span> <\/strong><\/p>\n To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, experts said people should do the following:<\/p>\n Minimize the time you spend outdoors at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Make sure door and window screens are tight and in good condition. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time. or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin. Use mosquito nets when sleeping outdoors or in an unprotected structure and to protect small babies when outdoors. Consider using mosquito repellent, according to label directions. , when you need to be outdoors.<\/p>\n Learn more about West Nile virus and other information about mosquitoes here. <\/a><\/p>\n RELATED: Monkeypox patients advised to avoid pets<\/strong><\/p>\n Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be contacted at <\/span>jglatz@fox61.com<\/span>.<\/span> <\/p>\n Have a story idea or something in mind that you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at <\/span>newstips@fox61.com<\/span> <\/p>\n