What You Should Know About West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquitoes

On August 8, Branford and New Haven joined the list of 19 other municipalities whose mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) reported the East Shore District Health Department.

The recent findings represent the first positive mosquitoes identified in Branford and New Haven by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) this year. CAES uses a network of 91 mosquito-trapping stations in 72 municipalities to monitor WNV activity according to a recent press release. Positive findings, they stated, are reported to local health departments like ESDHD and are made public on the CAES web site at www.ct.gov/caes.

So far, no one has been affected by the WNV-positive mosquitoes, reported Alex Cinotti of the ESDHD, but residents are advised to take caution when outdoors.

"The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes," said Dr. Matthew Cartter, State Epidemiologist for the Department of Public Health. "Simple steps like using insect repellent, covering exposed skin, and staying indoors during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, can go a long way in preventing mosquito bites."

The press release reports that in 2011, WNV-positive mosquitoes have been trapped in 21 municipalities with Branford being the most recent. No Connecticut residents have been identified with illnesses related to WNV infections this year, they report. In 2010, however, WNV-positive mosquitoes were trapped in 24 municipalities with 11 reported human cases.

“The repeated detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes collected throughout lower Fairfield and New Haven counties is a clear indication that the virus has now reached a level that increases the likelihood of human exposure,” said Dr. Theodore G. Andreadis, Chief Medical Entomologist, CAES. “We strongly encourage people living in these communities to take necessary precautions to reduce contact with biting mosquitoes, especially during the early evening hours.”

For information on WNV and what you can do to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito.