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The West Nile-infected mosquitoes were trapped at a collection site at Interval and Gaxton Roads on July 20, and the results were announced this week by the city of Stamford.
The city Health Department applied larvicide in June to all catch basins in Stamford. and began a repeat treatment on Monday, the city said. There will be a third round of larvicide applications in September to prevent the development of adult mosquitoes.
Related story: West Nile-Infected Mosquitoes Trapped In Greenwich, Stratford, Westport
Mosquitoes trapped in Greenwich, Stratford and Westport as well as in South Windsor and West Haven have also tested positive for the West Nile virus this summer, state officials said.
To protect yourself from mosquito bites, use an approved mosquito repellant and wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors, especially at dawn and dusk. Also, ensure that all window screens and door screens are intact.
Homeowners and businesses should remove standing water, discarded cans and bottles, and cut back grass, bushes and shrubbery on their properties to curb the mosquito population.
The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program traps mosquitoes across the state for weekly testing for the West Nile virus. Symptoms include a slight fever, headache, rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, malaise and eye pain. But it can advance to a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, severe muscle weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms, coma or death.
Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito are able to fight off infection and experience mild or no symptoms.
West Nile virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since 1999. Since 2000, there have been 131 human cases of West Nile in the state, with three fatalities. No human cases have been reported in 2017.
For more information about West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases, click here to visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.
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