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WESTON, Conn. Mosquitoes in Weston have tested positive for the West Nile virus and citizens are warned to take precautions.
Theres a risk for the young or elderly or people with compromised immune systems, so we encourage them to avoid mosquitoes during high activity times of day at dawn and dusk, said Mark Cooper, director of the Westport Weston Health District.
Mosquitoes trapped in the Devils Den area of Weston by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station tested positive for West Nile virus in mid-August, which is commonplace, Cooper said. Three weeks ago, there was a finding in Westport and 32 Connecticut towns have had positive reports this season. It happens every year, but this has been a bumper year because of the heavy rain storms and high temperatures.
If you do something that creates sweat, you should use mosquito repellent and you should wear longs pants and shirts if youre gardening, Cooper said.
West Nile virus causes flu-like symptoms and headaches in most people but can cause severe meningitis and even death.
The state doesn't plan on aerial spraying of insecticides in Weston because the season is winding down. As soon as the first frost, the threat of virus goes away until next year, he said.
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