NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The number of mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus in Connecticut this season has increased, the State Mosquito Management Program said.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station said 27 WNV-infected mosquitoes have been found in eight towns so far this summer: Bridgeport, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford and Wethersfield.
“We are seeing a geographic expansion of West Nile virus activity to new towns in Connecticut,” John Shepard, Medical Entomologist at the CAES, said. “We anticipate further build-up of West Nile virus in mosquitoes with increased risk of human infection from now through September.”
CAES said no human cases have been detected this year. There have been 181 human cases of West Nile virus, including four fatalities, reported in Connecticut since 2000.
To avoid getting mosquito bites, researchers ask people to minimize the amount of time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. When outdoors at these times, wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts to keep mosquitoes away. Also, consider using mosquito repellant and netting when necessary.
There are 108 mosquito-trapping sites in 88 Connecticut towns and cities. CAES tests trapped mosquitoes for West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis. For more information, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.
Lindsey Fine is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at lfine2@fox61.com.
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