New Haven, Conn./WTIC Radio - Researchers at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven are reporting the first mosquitoes to be trapped this season carrying the West Nile virus.
The infected mosquitoes were trapped in Bridgeport on June 11.
The station only launched the annual Connecticut Mosquito Management Program earlier this month.
John Shepard, Medical Entomologist at the CAES, said “This is one of the earlier detections of virus recorded during the last 25 years of the statewide monitoring program."
Dr. Phil Armstrong, chief scientist at the CAES, said "The recent rainfall and current heat wave are expected to increase mosquito activity and build-up of West Nile virus."
They says simple measures like wearing repellent and covering bare skin should help ward off mosquitoes.
There are 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 cities and towns throughout Connecticut.