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Hot, dry weather heightens West Nile virus risk
Posted: Jul 26, 2012 12:12 PM by Associated Press
CHICAGO (AP) - Hot, dry weather in the Midwest has created the perfect conditions for mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus.
The Culex mosquito breeds in still-damp ditches and underground storm water basins.
Indiana, Ohio and Illinois are reporting higher rates of infected mosquitoes compared with past years. More infected mosquitoes means a higher West Nile risk for humans. Illinois and Oklahoma report earlier-than-usual cases of human infection.
What's more, the dry weather means the pesky floodwater mosquito is scarce. That makes people think mosquitoes aren't a problem and gives the Culex mosquito a chance to sneak up and bite.
Health officials urge people to wear insect repellent though they may not be noticing biting mosquitoes.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
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