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Mosquito Infected With West Nile Confirmed In Another Fairfield County Town

MONROE, Conn. — Mosquitoes trapped at the Garder Road trapping station in Monroe last week tested positive for West Nile virus, according to a state Mosquito Management Program statement released Monday night.

The West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito trapped in Monroe.

The West Nile virus has been detected in a mosquito trapped in Monroe.

Photo Credit: File

This is the first positive test for West Nile in Monroe identified by the state Agricultural Experiment Station this year, said Dr. Philip Armstrong, director of the program.

“Although it is late in the season,” said Armstrong, “mosquitoes will continue to be active until the first hard frost. Take precautions and protect yourself from mosquito bites.”

Related story: First Human Case Of West Nile Reported In Connecticut For This Season

In 2017, West Nile virus has been detected in mosquitoes collected at trap sites in nearly 30 towns, including these in Fairfield County: Bridgeport, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk, Redding, Shelton, Stamford, Stratford and Westport.

The Monroe Health Department reminds residents to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes that can carry infections.

  • Wear long sleeves, socks and closed-toe shoes, long pants, light colors and a hat.
  • Use insect repellent. If you are also using sunscreen, put it on first, about 20 minutes before applying the repellent. Treat clothing and outdoor gear with repellent. Check the product label for specific application instructions.
  • Reduce mosquitoes around your home. Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed. Unclog roof gutters. Empty children’s wading pools and change water in birdbaths at least weekly. Get rid of old tires or items that may collect water in your yard.
  • Repair any tears in the screens on your windows, doors and camping gear, use mosquito netting over strollers and cribs or when sleeping outdoors.

One human case of West Nile virus has been confirmed this year in Connecticut. A resident of New Haven required hospitalization with a confirmed case of West Nile virus, the Connecticut Department of Public Health announced earlier this month.

The patient, who is 50 to 59 years old, became ill during the last week of August and was hospitalized with high fever, dehydration and confusion, DPH said. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to WNV in the patient’s cerebrospinal fluid.

For additional information on mosquitoes and ways to reduce exposure, visit the Monroe Health Department website at www.monroect.org/health or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/MonroeHealthCT.

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