State health officials are warning about a rapid increase in West Nile virus activity in Connecticut.
Recent tests show that infected mosquitoes are rising at levels that are higher than normal for this time of year, according to a release from Gov. Malloy's office.
Mosquitoes infected with West Nile have been found in 19 cities and towns across the state, the release stated.
"We fully anticipate further build-up of the virus in the coming weeks and expansion into other areas of the state, said Dr. Theodore Andreadis, director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
The warm temperatures and high humidity are creating ideal conditions for mosquitoes, according to Andreadis.
"Historically, August and September are the months of greatest risk for acquiring West Nile virus infection," Andreadis said.
Experts urge people to wear long clothes, use mosquito repellent and avoid being outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most prevalent. They are also asking people to eliminate areas of standing water where mosquitoes breed.
Local
Mosquitoes infected with West Nile have been found in Bethany, Bridgeport, Darien, East Haven, Easton, Franklin, Greenwich, Hartford, Madison, Manchester, Meriden, New Canaan, New Haven, Stamford, Stratford, Waterbury, Waterford, West Haven, and Weston.
There have been no human cases of West Nile virus this season.
