The Connecticut Department of Public Health has announced that mosquitoes in Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford have tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). This early detection in the season is a critical reminder for residents to take preventative measures against mosquito bites.
The identification of WNV-infected mosquitoes in these towns is part of a broader trend across Connecticut, where 25 towns have reported positive tests this year. Dr. Philip Armstrong, Medical Entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), emphasized that the highest levels of activity are currently in Fairfield and New Haven counties and the metropolitan Hartford area.
“The risk of West Nile virus is expected to continue until mosquito activity ceases in October,”
Dr. Philip Armstrong
As of now, no human cases have been reported in Connecticut this year. However, one case was confirmed in New Haven County, involving a woman in her 50s who has since recovered. Since the year 2000, Connecticut has recorded 181 human cases of West Nile Virus, including four fatalities.
To mitigate the risk of infection, public health officials recommend several protective measures:
- Minimize Outdoor Activities: Limit time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use Insect Repellent: Apply mosquito repellents containing EPA-registered ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors, and ensure clothing is light-colored and tightly woven.
- Secure Homes: Make sure door and window screens are intact to prevent mosquitoes from entering homes.
- Eliminate Standing Water: Remove standing water from containers, gutters, and other areas where mosquitoes can breed.
Homeowners can also reduce mosquito populations by properly disposing of items that collect rainwater, such as old tires, and maintaining clean and chlorinated swimming pools. Additionally, using mosquito nets and treating water sources with larvicides can help control mosquito larvae.
The Connecticut Mosquito Management Program, a collaborative effort involving several state agencies, continues to monitor and manage mosquito populations. This program includes 108 mosquito-trapping stations across 88 municipalities, with regular updates provided on the CAES website.
For more information on West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, residents are encouraged to visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health website.
