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Mosquitoes and COVID-19: Is there a connection?

Purdue researchers says there no evidence
Posted at 10:05 PM, Apr 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-04-22 22:08:29-04

WEST LAFAYETTE -- It's a question many are asking as the weather warms up: Can mosquitoes transmit the COVID-19 virus?

Researchers at Purdue University says there is no evidence it can happen.

Catherine Hill, Purdue Professos of Entomology and Vector Biology, said scientists around the world are currently assessing if mosquitoes can infect human with the virus, but it seems extremely unlikely.

"It is early days, but we're always looking at things from a risk management and assessment perspective and I think the risk is very low," Hill said.

The professor points out that COVID-19 is part of the coronavirus family, and other viruses in this family are not transmitted through mosquitoes.

Hill said COVID-19 is a respiratory virus primarily transmitted through sneezing and coughing, in addition to touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.