West Nile Virus Found in Vt. Mosquitoes

Insects collected in Rockingham, Brattleboro, Putney and Newbury between Aug. 18 and 21 tested positive

Vermont health officials are urging people to take precautions after six batches of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus.

The mosquitoes were collected on Aug. 18 and Aug. 21.

Three of the six batches were collected in Rockingham. The other batches were collected in Brattleboro, Putney and Newbury.

Infected mosquitoes have recently been found in Windham and Orange counties. Health officials say that makes it likely that West Nile virus is present in every part of the state.

Vermont epidemiologist Erica Berl says she knows of no human cases of West Nile in the state this summer, but the virus is capable of causing serious illness.

Health officials urge everyone to limit their time outdoors from dusk to dawn and to use mosquito repellent.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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