West Nile Virus Returns

West Nile virus has been found in mosquitoes trapped in Westport. So far, no human cases have been identified in Connecticut.

The Aspetuck Health District says that with warm, wet weather conditions — favorable for breeding mosquitoes — and plenty of time before the first frost, the number of infected mosquitoes will rise, increasing potential for human exposure.

West Nile virus mosquito.

Director Mark Cooper says “there is no reason to panic.” But precautions should be taken to avoid mosquito bites.

Mosquitoes will deposit their eggs in any pool of water they find. Once they mature and fly, they will look for blood to feed on.

The Health District recommends these precautions:

• Eliminate any object outside that can hold water and become a breeding place for mosquitoes.
• Clean house gutters that may retain water.
• Empty wading pools and bird baths every few days.
• Chlorinate swimming pools regularly.
• Make sure that covers on grills, boats pools, and other equipment do not collect water.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair, to avoid mosquito bites when indoors.

Mosquitoes breed in all these places.

Mosquitoes require a blood meal for reproduction. So:

• Be particularly careful at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
• Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone.
• When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors, and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants younger than 2 months old.

For more information on West Nile Virus, click here.