Heavy Rain May Cause an Increase in Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus

Excessive rainfall can create a paradise for breeding mosquitoes. The more rainfall you get the more of these basins natural ones and artificial ones will fill up with water, and the more standing water it is the more habitat there is for mosquitoes to lay there eggs," said Bernard Murphy, an HCC Biologist. Experts said more mosquitoes can mean a greater chance for people to catch the West Nile Virus. "We always have a concern for West Nile. We just take it as a given that its going to be with us for a long time, but when we have excess water we have more concerns for mosquitoes breeding," said Rod MacRae, from the Wash. Health Dept. Authorities arent sounding the alarm just yet. "We probably see an increase in mosquitoes but the chances that youre going to come into contact with it are still really small so dont get worried about it," said Murphy. Although the infectious disease hasnt reached a human in our area this year, there is a way to prevent those pesky pests from bothering you. "If you have standing water that you use like bird baths and things just empty it out regularly every week," said Murphy. If there isnt any water standing around experts said insect repellent will do the trick too. Scientists also said you can use any brand of insect repellent, to fight those mosquitoes, but the one that has the ingredient Deet may be the best one for you. Reported by Sharia Davis" Local Farmers Thankful for Recent Rainy Days,1152141151,1152141151,"HAGERSTOWN, MD- Since January the Hagerstown area has received 20 inches of rain. For many, it was too much, too fast but one local industry is looking on the bright side.