Kirby discusses mosquito-borne illness risk on WLBZ
Clay Kirby, an entomologist and University of Maine Cooperative Extension professional, was interviewed for a WLBZ (Channel 2) report about Maine’s mosquitoes and related public health concerns. The spring’s wet weather has produced ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes in the state, WLBZ reported. If puddles, kiddie pools and gutters that collected water during the spring remain still and full, more mosquitoes could breed, according to Kirby. “Fortunately in Maine, the mosquitoes that are out and biting in the spring and summer don’t present a very large risk of disease,” Kirby said. “It’s the mosquito populations that are out biting later summer, early fall that could be a potential problem if we see trends of EEE and West Nile in other states that are in the Northeast.” Kirby said the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention monitors increases in mosquito-borne illnesses and alerts the public when needed. He said long sleeves and bug sprays that contain DEET are the best resources for keeping mosquitoes off the skin.