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STAMFORD, Conn. Mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus have been found in all three trap locations in Stamford, Dr. Theodore Andreadis said. The city has been a hot bed for the virus over the past several years and had the most reported incidents last year, said Andreadis, chief medical entomologist for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Unfortunately, it looks like were heading in that same direction, Andreadis said in a phone interview. The virus is building up. The tests were taken from July 14 through July 18.
One reason for the concern is that summer is only about half over, and the disease becomes more prevalent as the weather gets warmer, he said. The virus also becomes prevalent after rain. The mosquitoes that carry the disease live mostly in urban and suburban areas, Andreadis said.
Four municipalities Greenwich, Bridgeport, Orange and Stamford have found mosquitoes carrying the virus this year. No human cases have been reported, said a statement from the Department of Public Health.
Since 1999, when the virus was first found in the Connecticut, Fairfield County has had the most reported human cases with 41, the state said. Nine human cases have been reported in Stamford, tied for the most with Bridgeport, the states website said.
Andreadis warned residents to use repellant and take other precautions when going outside, especially during early evening hours, to avoid mosquito bites. People older than 50 and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk, but anybody could get West Nile, he said.
A message was left with Anne Fountain, Stamfords Director of Health, for comment.
What precautions do you take to keep bugs away? Do they work? Share your tips below to help your friends and neighbors or send them to reporter Anthony Buzzeo, tbuzzeo@TheDailyStamford.com.
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