Doctors say a national shortage of IV fluid has created a medical emergency in Connecticut.

Dr. Lee Forest, with Fairfield Family Physicians in Stratford, is one of many medical professionals concerned about what federal officials say is a critical shortage of IV fluids here in the state and nationwide.

Many doctors say they're turning patients away who need in-office infusion therapy for different kinds of life-sustaining treatments. Patients who need chemotherapy are affected, along with anybody having surgery.

Sen. Richard Blumenthal says the hurricane in Puerto Rico is causing the shortage. He says the medical industry there is at a standstill without electricity, and that is where the vast majority of IV fluids and IV equipment are manufactured.

"I have urged a major relief package for Puerto Rico so they can restore electricity and enable the manufacturing of this critical medical equipment and supplies...that are so necessary for the whole United States," said Sen. Blumenthal.

The senator also said by being slow to aid Puerto Rico, the Trump administration is prolonging the shortage of IV fluid in Connecticut.