EAST HAVEN — Mosquitoes that carried the West Nile Virus were found in a sample taken on August 17.
The East Shore District Health Department said the mosquitoes were collected from the Kenneth Street area of East Haven, near Tweet-New Haven Airport. Officials said the mosquitoes can usually be found in places such as old tires, stagnant pools of ground water, artificial containers, or catch basins.
“The warm weather, high humidity, and frequent rainfall that have created ideal conditions that are conducive to the spreading of West Nile Virus infected mosquitoes,” said Alex Cinotti, Assistant Director of Health in a statement. The state Department of Agriculture collect mosquitoes approximately every 10 days.
Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have also been found this year in Stamford, Stratford, and Newington.
No human cases have been reported in Connecticut this summer. Officials said 10 human cases were reported last year. Health officials said people are most vulnerable to the West Nile Virus in August and September.
- The East Shore District Health Department recommended taking these precautions:
- Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn.
- Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt when and where mosquitoes are most active.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping and to protect small babies when outdoors.
- Consider the use of mosquito repellent containing DEE when it is necessary to be outdoors.
- Dispose of water holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, tire swings.
- Drill holes in bottoms of recycling containers.
- Clean clogged roof gutters
- Turn over plastic wading pools, wheelbarrows, etc.
- Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water on your property.
