Mosquitoes positive for the West Nile virus now have been collected in 32 Connecticut towns this summer.  Hartford,  Middlesex,  New Haven,  New London and Fairfield Counties all have confirmed examples of the virus.  No human cases have been reported in the state.

Chief Medical Entomologist Dr. Theodore Andreadis says the virus has been expanding rapidly because this summer’s warm temperatures,  high humidity and frequent rainfall have created ideal condition for its spread in mosquito populations.  He says it’s expected to continue to increase the next few weeks,   creating an elevated risk for human infection.

Towns where mosquitoes testing positive were trapped through August 1 are: Hartford, Newington, Wethersfield, Glastonbury, Meriden,  Wallingford, Cheshire, New Haven, North Haven, East Haven, West Haven, Milford,  North Branford, Waterbury, Monroe, Shelton, Chester, Westbrook, Groton, Killingworth, Bethel, Danbury, Newtown, Wilton. Bridgeport, Westport, Stratford. Stamford, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan,  and Norwalk.