West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus recently have been found in Westport and Fairfield, the State Mosquito Management Program announced Tuesday. Mosquitoes trapped in Norwalk and Stamford earlier this season also tested positive for the virus.

In Fairfield and Westport, the mosquitoes—trapped between Aug. 5 and Aug. 11—were the first to be found with the virus.

"West Nile virus in mosquitoes is spreading to additional areas of the state," Theodore G. Andreadis, chief medical entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, said in a statement. "Positive mosquitoes also continue to be detected in previously identified areas, increasing the risk of human exposure."

This year, virus-positive mosquitoes have been found in 12 towns. In June, a Trumbull resident 50 to 60 years old contracted the virus. The person, who was not hospitalized and has since recovered, showed flu-like symptoms.

"West Nile virus positive mosquitoes have been confirmed in three counties," Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin said in a statement. "I am reminding Connecticut residents of the importance to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites at this time of the year."

Monitoring and risk assessment for West Nile virus stresses the importance of mosquito trapping and testing. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has 91 mosquito-trapping stations in 72 towns throughout the state.

For more information on West Nile virus and how to prevent mosquito bites, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program online.

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