A Stratford resident who became ill in July is the first human case of West Nile virus this season.
The resident is between 60 and 69 years of age and became ill during the last week of July after being bitten by mosquitoes, according to the state Department of Health.
The person was not hospitalized and is recovering, according to health department officials.
Symptoms of the illness included joint and muscle pain and diarrhea and lab tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to the virus.
"If you’re planning to spend time outdoors this Labor Day weekend, it’s very important that you take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites,” Department of Public Health veterinarian, Dr. Randall Nelson, said in a statement. “Using insect repellant, covering bare skin and avoiding being outdoors during the hours of dusk and dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten.”
Since June 27, the state has identified West Nile virus positive mosquitoes at trap sites in 16 towns Branford, Bridgeport, East Haven, Fairfield, Glastonbury, Greenwich, Groton, Manchester, New Haven, Norwalk, Plainfield, Stamford, Stratford, Wallingford, Waterford and Westport.
The highest numbers have been found in coastal towns from Greenwich to Branford and in central Connecticut in Glastonbury, state officials said.
Dr. Theodore G. Andreadis, Chief Medical Entomologist with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, warned that the presence of West Nile virus could continue through September and expand to more communities.
In addition to West Nile virus, mosquitoes with eastern equine encephalitis virus have been identified in the Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown prompting the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to close part of the forest to recreational activities and two camp grounds there.
