Connecticut's First 2014 Case of West Nile Virus Occurs in Bridgeport

This year’s first human case of West Nile virus has been reported in Bridgeport, and officials warn that insect-borne illnesses could still be a factor despite the change of season.

According to the state Department of Public Health, a Bridgeport resident in his or her 40s contracted the virus and developed symptoms the third week of August.

The patient suffered from a high fever, severe headache and blurred vision and was hospitalized for treatment of meningitis associated with West Nile virus, according to the DPH.

That person is now recovering.

As of Sept. 10, officials have detected the virus in 52 mosquito pools in 14 municipalities around the state, including nine WNV-positive pools in Bridgeport, one in Cornwall, two in Danbury, two in Darien, three in East Haven, one in Groton, two in Hartford, one in New Britain, two in New Haven, one in Norwalk, six in Stamford, 20 in Stratford, one in West Hartford and one in Wethersfield.

“The number of affected towns continues to increase,” said Medical Entomologist Dr. Philip Armstrong, of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “While early- to mid-August is when the number of positive mosquito pools typically peaks, the peak this season appears to have been delayed with continued risk of transmission to people through September.”

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, another mosquito-borne virus, has not been detected in Connecticut this year.

Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen said “mosquitoes may remain active well into September and insect-borne illness remains a threat.”

Residents are urged to use insect repellant and cover bare skin when spending time outdoors, especially at dusk.

Four Connecticut residents contracted West Nile virus last year. All four have recovered, according to the DPH.

More information is available online through the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program.

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