BRIDGEPORT–Two people have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Both people are Bridgeport residents.
One patient, who is between 40 and 49 years old, became ill in the third week of August with meningitis. The other patient, who is between 70 and 79 years old, became sick in the fourth week of August with encephalitis. Both illnesses caused fever, nausea, vomiting and weakness.
Both patients were hospitalized and released.
Neither patient traveled out of state before getting sick.
These are the first cases found in humans this year.
“The identification of Connecticut residents with West Nile Virus-associated illness that required hospitalization underscores the potential seriousness of infection,” said Dr. Randall Nelson, a veterinarian with the Department of Public Health. “Using insect repellent, covering bare skin and avoiding being outdoors during the hours of dusk and dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten.”
This year mosquitoes with West Nile Virus have been detected in 20 Connecticut towns: Bridgeport, Cheshire, Chester, Darien, East Haven, Glastonbury, Greenwich, Groton, Guilford, Hartford, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford, Stonington, Stratford, Waterford, West Haven, Westport, Wethersfield and Wilton. More mosquitoes have been trapped with the virus than normal.
In 2014 six people had West Nile Virus-related illnesses, and there were no fatalities.
