Scientists in Connecticut believe new information could indicate the Zika virus is more of a threat than previously thought.
Dr. Theodore Andreadis, Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station in New Haven, said new findings from the University of Texas have just been published.
"They demonstrated for the first time that the aedes aegypti mosquito infected with this virus could transmit it via the egg to their progeny," said Andreadis. "This is a very significant finding because now it indicates a way in which this virus can persist and overwinter in mosquito populations."
Andreadis spoke at a press conference with Senator Richard Blumenthal who continued his call for Congress to take action and invest more money to support research nationwide.
The epidemic is being driven primarily by a mosquito that does not occur in Connecticut. But the species known as the Asian Tiger, which can also carry the virus, is found here. Andreadis said they’re seeing an expansion of this mosquito along the shoreline stretching from Greenwich to New Haven.
"The funding that we need is to do increased trapping and testing," he said. "This is the only way that we’re going to be able to make a determination as to whether any of our local mosquito populations have picked up this virus."
Connecticut has received nearly $1.3 million in federal funding to fight Zika, including enhanced mosquito testing and efforts to monitor birth defects related to the virus.
So far no mosquitoes in Connecticut have tested positive for the virus. All 61 human cases confirmed in the state have been travel-related.
Blumenthal said he’ll take up the issue for additional funding again after Labor Day.
