I can’t believe this is still going on, but it appears that the West Nile virus is in full outbreak mode.  1,590 cases, 66 deaths, and half of all reported are in Texas.  According to the report, and this still baffles my mind, the hot, dry weather is causing the mosquito boom.  I always thought they bred in old, stagnant water.  This is why I got out of entomology.

In New York, and this is interesting, they are spraying the rich neighborhoods for the pathogen carrying insects.  The Upper West Side is being coated with pesticide that is in such a small dose “It does not pose a threat to humans”, however they are telling everyone to stay inside, and to remove toys and clothes that are outside.  That sounds completely safe to me!