DANBURY, Conn. — For the first time this season, West Nile Virus has been detected in the city of Danbury.
According to a release from the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program on Thursday, West Nile Virus was detected in mosquitos collected from a testing site in Danbury.
West Nile Virus is primarily spread by infected mosquitos when they bite humans. Many people who contract the virus don’t show symptoms, but some will experience severe illness, the release said.
Common West Nile Virus symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea and rash, and in severe cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain. The state’s Mosquito Management Program also said West Nile Virus can cause meningitis, or inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
The release noted that individuals who are 60 years old or older, and those with weakened immune systems, are at greater risk for serious illness if they contract West Nile Virus.
“We urge all residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites,” Danbury Director of Health and Human Services Fernanda Carvalho said in the release. “To prevent the spread of mosquito-borne diseases in our community, the City of Danbury Department of Health and Human Services contracts with a mosquito management company to treat over 5,500 catch basins throughout the city annually.”
Carvalho said that simple measures such as using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing and eliminating standing water can significantly reduce the risk of infection.
Several precautions to help guard against West Nile Virus are listed in the release.
First, minimize time spent outside between dusk and dawn, as this is when mosquitoes are most active. Also, consider the use of mosquito repellents that contain an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-methane-diol or 2-undecanone when you must be outdoors.
The release also advises residents to wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitos are more active. It said clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
The release also encourages people to be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair. It is also important to protect infants when outdoors. Lastly, use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure.
Thus far this year, no cases of West Nile Virus-associated illnesses have been reported in Danbury, and the risk is still considered low, according to the release.
However, the Mosquito Management Program said there have been 180 human cases of West Nile Virus, including four fatalities, in Connecticut since 2000.
“The Connecticut Mosquito Management Program will continue to monitor and manage mosquito populations in the area,” the release said. “Residents are encouraged to stay informed about West Nile Virus activity and follow recommended guidelines to protect themselves and their families.”
More information about West Nile Virus and mosquito control can be found on the state’s Department of Public Health’s website by clicking here.
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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