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Mosquito control efforts ramp up in response to Zika threat

Though mosquitoes are typically nothing more than an annoyance during otherwise pleasant summer months, they have recently become feared for their ability to spread the Zika virus.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the virus, which has been identified for decades, has now spread to nearly 50 countries. As of June 22, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has confirmed 27 cases of the virus in the state, only one of which is in the Eastern region that Gloucester and Mathews falls within.

While the cases in Virginia and the rest of the U.S. were all contracted overseas, there is a concern that the Zika virus has the potential to spread via the local mosquito population.

Following the creation of a Zika Task Force by Gov. Terry McAuliffe in February, localities began communicating with state government to develop strategies that help prevent the spread of the virus. One way counties can prevent the spread of Zika is by controlling mosquito populations...

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