West Nile Virus On The Increase in CT: 15 Towns Positive for the Virus
Here is an update to the story below: 2 Cases of West Nile confirmed in Fairfield and Newington, both victims over 60 and still in the hospital. CLICK HERE for the whole story.
This story is used with courtesy from our News Partner WFSB Channel 3 CLICK HERE for the whole story and video as reported by WFSB Channel 3 Reporter Kevin Hogan.
NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) - Mosquitoes in 8 additional towns in CT have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Posted: Jul 25, 2018 3:06 PM EDTUpdated: Jul 25, 2018 4:28 PM EDT
By Olivia Lank
By Kevin Hogan
Environmental officials said the new towns are Bethany, Franklin, Greenwich, Madison, New Haven, Waterford, West Haven, and Weston.
The mosquitoes that were tested were trapped from July 12 to July 19.
The other towns that mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile Virus were Bridgeport, Darien, Easton, New Canaan, Stamford, Stratford, and Waterbury.
State experts say they're seeing a quick expansion of mosquitoes that have recently tested positive for carrying the infectious disease. warm weather and high humidity are the perfect recipe for breeding the mosquito larvae.
"It's kind of an early warning for us that they are in the area, but it means that's something we should be looking at as an important way to prevent mosquito bites," said Ryan McCammon of Ledge Light Health District.
No human or horse cases of West Nile Virus-associated illnesses have been reported in CT this year. The Centers for Disease Control says 80 percent of people infected won't show symptoms.
"If you do happen to have symptoms of fever, you could have tiredness, a lot of things you'd expect with the seasonal flu, we typically don't see a lot in the summertime, but it can also cause rashes in your chest and back," McCammon.
To protect yourself against West Nile infection you should take several precautions:
- Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts outdoors.
- Consider using mosquito repellent containing DEET or Picaridin.
Experts also advise to make sure your gutters aren't getting clogged and holding back standing water.
People should empty anything that might contain water, such as trash cans and even tree stumps near your home.
Since 2000, there have been 134 human cases of WNV, including three deaths.
To learn more about mosquitoes and WNV, click here.
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