Hurricane Harvey could ignite a surge in mosquitos capable of spreading Zika in southeast Texas, public health experts warned even as the storm was lashing the Gulf Coast over the weekend.
In the short term the storm will actually be a boon, flooding out mosquitos. But the standing water Harvey will leave behind will become their perfect breeding ground, including for Aedes aegypti mosquitos blamed for spreading the disease.
Officials are urging those returning to their homes after the storm to dump flower pots, bird baths and other containers with standing water.
READ MORE:
[contentcards url=”http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/aug/27/hurricane-harvey-could-cause-increase-in-zika-infe/” target=”_blank”]