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According to the MMP, mosquitoes trapped in Milford on Monday, June 21 tested positive for the virus, marking the first confirmed case of West Nile found in Connecticut this summer.
Last year, the West Nile Virus was found in 13 mosquito pools in 21 Connecticut communities.
“The West Nile virus season has begun with the first detection of virus in mosquitoes," Dr. Philip Armstrong, a medical entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station said. "This is earlier than usual, and we anticipate further buildup of the virus from now through September.”
Dr. Jason White, the director of the Agricultural Exchange added that the organization will continue to closely monitor mosquitoes “for continued virus amplification.”
“We encourage everyone to take precautionary measures such as wearing mosquito repellent and covering bare skin,” he added. "Especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”
West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-borne viral disease in the country and reemerges every summer in Connecticut. More than 150 human cases of West Nile virus, including at least four deaths, have been diagnosed in Connecticut residents since 2000.
According to officials, “most people infected with West Nile virus will experience mild or no symptoms, but some can develop severe symptoms including high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis.”
“The symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent,” officials noted. “Individuals, especially those 50 years of age or older, or those with compromised immune systems, who are most at risk, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”
Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds, according to health officials.
The infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals. In humans, West Nile Virus may cause a mild illness but may also cause encephalitis - inflammation of the brain - or meningitis - inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
Health officials said that to avoid mosquito bites, one should:
- Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn;
- Wear shoes and socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active;
- Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully;
- Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair;
- Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans, and rain barrels.
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