Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Found in Stamford

The first mosquitoes to test positive for West Nile Virus this season have been found in Stamford.

The mosquitoes were trapped on June 27.

“The West Nile virus season has started,” said Dr. Louis Magnarelli, director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station said. “The very high numbers of Culex pipiens, mosquitoes feeding on birds, warm weather, and presence of standing water are some of the factors which favor amplification of this virus in nature.”

To protect yourself, reduce the amount of standing water available for mosquito breeding around your homes.

Here are some options for doing this:

• Empty standing water from used or discarded tires that have accumulated on your property, including tire swings.
• Dispose of cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or similar water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property.
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside. Drainage holes located on the sides collect enough water for mosquitoes to breed in.
• Clean clogged roof gutters on an annual basis.
• Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
• Turn over wheelbarrows and do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths.
• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
• In 2011, WNV-positive mosquitoes were trapped in 30 Connecticut cities and towns.
• Last year, nine Connecticut residents were identified with WNV infections.

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