First Pool of Mosquitoes in Stratford Test Positive for West Nile Virus
Andrea Boissevain, Director of Health
New York Times
The Stratford Health Department announced that the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reported mosquitos trapped at Beacon Point and Beaver Dam have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The isolates were from the Culex pipiens, a bird biting species of mosquitoes.
“This report is not surprising, with the rain and the higher temperatures we expect to have more positive pools into late summer. I urge all residents to take the necessary and simple steps to prevent exposure and bites,” said Andrea Boissevain, Director of Health.
Stratford’s Environmental Conservation Superintendent Kelly Kerrigan noted that “although West Nile is now present in Stratford mosquitoes, it is important to remember that the mosquito species that predominantly carries the disease (Culex pipiens) prefers to bite birds rather than humans.”
Every year the Health and Conservation Departments join forces to get the word out through press releases and social media to provide residents a list of precautions everyone can take, highlighting that people’s best defense is to get rid of standing water in flower pots, bird baths, trash cans and their lids, anything that collects water, effectively removing the perfect breeding ground for mosquitos. Both Boissevain and Kerrigan added that “the best prevention to reduce your risk of catching the disease is to keep mosquitoes out of your home by ensuring your window and door screens are tight and secure.”
Additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites and to decrease mosquito activity around your home include:
- Tip over items in your recycle bin that can collect water.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers.
- Clear clogged gutters.
- Drill holes in bottom of recycling containers.
- For commercial properties with flat roofs, check for standing water to reduce mosquito-breeding sites.
- Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Be sure door and windows screens are tight fighting and in good repair.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made 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 using DEET-containing mosquito repellent, as directed, when outdoors.
Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus and become ill will have a mild illness that may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting or skin rash.
Rarely, people develop a severe form of the illness that can include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis. Older adults are more likely to have severe health consequences if they become infected with West Nile Virus.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station also has information for the public on mosquito surveillance control and mosquito-borne diseases. This information can be accessed on their website http://www.caes.state.ct.us
For more information on West Nile Virus and mosquito control, please visit the Stratford Health Department’s website at www.statfordct.gov/health.
What is West Nile virus disease?
- The virus is largely carried by Culex mosquitoes in the United States. Female mosquitoes spread the virus when they bite a bird infected with the virus and then bite a person.
- Human cases of the virus typically peak in August and September. The number of people who develop West Nile virus disease varies widely each year: There have been between 712 and 5,674 cases annually from 2005 to 2023, according to the C.D.C.
- Since the virus was first detected in the United States in 1999, more than 27,000 people have been hospitalized with infections, and about 3,000 have died. But experts say that the number of infections may be far higher.
- But scientists worry that climate change will create new hot spots for the virus as more regions experience longer warm seasons and wetter conditions. These previously less hospitable areas could see more mosquitoes that are active longer. Can you treat or prevent a West Nile infection?
