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State Reports Mosquitoes Positive for West Nile Virus in West Haven

Hartford (8.2.07) - The State Mosquito Management Program today announced that mosquitoes trapped in West Haven on July 24, 2007 have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These are the first positive mosquitoes identified in West Haven by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) this year. Previously, WNV-positive mosquitoes were trapped in Manchester on June 27. The state is urging residents to take personal protection precautions to avoid mosquito bites during the remainder of the season.

"The finding of WNV-in mosquitoes should be taken seriously," said Governor M. Jodi Rell. "Residents, especially those over the age of 50, should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites during the mosquito season, especially in areas where WNV is identified."

"The isolations of West Nile virus from Culex pipiens in West Haven and previously Manchester are expected based on results of mosquito testing prior seasons. We can expect WNV to build up in Connecticut through the rest of the summer and early fall," said Theodore G. Andreadis, Ph.D., Chief Medical Entomologist, CAES.

Culex pipiens is a common mosquito species and one of the species that is responsible for spreading WNV in this area. In 2006, mosquitoes trapped in West Haven on June 29 were the first in Connecticut to test positive for WNV. Overall, WNV in mosquitoes and humans was identified in 25 towns in five counties.

From 2000-2006, 57 persons were confirmed with WNV infection including 52 who acquired the infection in Connecticut. Three persons have died (one each in 2001, 2005, and 2006). Persons older than 50 years of age are more likely than younger persons to suffer severe health consequences if they become infected with WNV.

To monitor WNV the CAES maintains a network of 91 mosquito-trapping stations in 72 municipalities throughout the state from June through October. Mosquito traps are set by the CAES every ten days at each site on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date.

The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is an interagency program consisting of the Department of Environmental Protection, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, and the University of Connecticut Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science.

Precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:

• Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
• Consider busing mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin.
• When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months.

Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:

• Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, tire swings
• Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling
• Clean clogged roof gutters
• Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use such as wading pools and wheelbarrows
• Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and when not in use, pool covers
• Use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.

Additional resources for information on West Nile virus and mosquito management:

• The Department of Public Health website at http://dph.state.ct.us
• The Department of Environmental Protection website at http://www.ct.gov/dep
• The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Web site at http://www.caes.state.ct.us
• The Department of Agriculture Web site at http://www.state.ct.us/doag
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at http://www.cdc.gov