This is a printer-friendly version of an article from Zip06.com.
08/07/2018 12:10 PMOn August 7, the East Shore District Health Department (ESDHD) reported mosquitoes testing positive for carrying West Nile Virus (WNV) were recently collected in a surveillance trap in the vicinity of Cedar Lake. ESDHD also collected WNV-positive mosquitoes in the same trap at this time last year.
Every ten days, mosquitoes are collected from Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) mosquito surveillance traps and tested. On July 31, ESDHD confirmed CAES traps found WNV-positive mosquitoes in an East Haven trap in the area of Kenneth Street.
The department notes the recent flush of hot weather, high humidity, and frequent rainfall have created ideal conditions for an increase in West Nile virus-positive mosquitos. It also notes that most people who get West Nile virus don't know they have it; because the symptoms are typically minor; with some people showing no symptoms as their bodies fight off the infection. However, the virus can be a serious health risk, particularly for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. See the CAES brochure, posted as a related file with this story, for more information.
ESDHD also notes no human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in the state this summer. Three human cases were reported in 2017 (no deaths).
According to the ESDHD health alert issued August 7, the species of mosquito carrying West Nile virus can be found in a wide variety of places around the home where water collects. Residents are being reminded to remove stagnant pools of ground water and any standing water that's collected in objects such as used tires, tire swings, planters, containers, or catch basins. Holes should be drilled in the bottom of recycling storage containers. Residents should clear gutters of any clogs. They should also turn over wading pools, wheelbarrows, etc. The ESDHD recommends changing birdbaths on a weekly basis and cleaning and chlorinating any swimming pools and pool covers not in use.
In this area, people are most vunerable being bitten by West Nile virus-positive mosquitoes in August and September; so the ESDHD is urging residents to take proper personal precautions, including: minimizing time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn; keeping door and window screens tight-fitting and in good repair; wearing shoes, socks, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt when and where mosquitoes are most active; using mosquito netting when sleeping and also using it to protect small babies when outdoors; and to consider use of mosquito repellent containing DEET when it's necessary to be outdoors.
For more information, call East Shore District Health Department at (203) 481-4233 or visit www.esdhd.org.