Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found in Branford

Common mosquitoes have been found to carry West Nile Virus in Branford. Please be advised to take these personal precautions:

•  Minimize time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.

• Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.  Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.

• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies when outdoors.

• Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors. 

• After returning indoors, wash any treated skin with soap and water.

• Don’t let stagnant water collect around your home.  Dump old tires, wheelbarrows and wading pools.  Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.

For further information on West Nile Virus contact the state’s 24-hour Mosquito Information Line at (860) 424-4184 or the Department of Environmental Protection’s web site at http://dep.state.ct.us.

You can read up on mosquito precaution as well.

This is a press release from the East Shore District Health Department.