West Nile Virus Detected in Mosquitoes Across Connecticut
West Nile Virus has been detected in mosquitoes in 26 towns throughout Connecticut this summer, according to officials from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). The infected mosquitoes have been found in various towns, including Bridgeport, Fairfield, Hartford, New Canaan, Stamford, and Waterbury.
Despite the relatively high number of infected mosquitoes, there has only been one reported case of West Nile Virus in humans so far this year. A woman from New Haven County tested positive for the virus.
Dr. Philip Armstrong, Medical Entomologist at CAES, stated that the Fairfield and New Haven counties, along with the metropolitan Hartford area, have shown the highest levels of West Nile virus activity. This finding highlights the need for increased vigilance in these regions.
In an effort to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, CAES has provided several tips for residents. These include minimizing time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, using mosquito repellents that contain EPA-registered active ingredients, and wearing protective clothing when outdoors.
West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne viral disease in the United States. Connecticut has reported a total of 181 human cases of the disease since 2000, resulting in four fatalities.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) is urging residents to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites and reduce the risk of West Nile Virus transmission.
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