A New Haven resident between the ages of 60 and 69 is hospitalized with West Nile virus.
The person, who has not been identified, spent considerable time outdoors, did not use mosquito repellent and became ill during the second week of August, officials from the state Department of Health said.
Health officials said that, since July 24, WNV-positive mosquitoes have been trapped repeatedly in New Haven County.
“We wish this person a speedy recovery from this serious illness. This case reminds us of how serious West Nile virus can be and how important it is to do what we can to protect ourselves from mosquito bites,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin said. “Simple things like wearing long-sleeved shirts, using insect repellant, and minimizing time outside at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active can help reduce the risk of being bitten.”
So far this season, positive mosquitoes have been identified in 12 towns – Bethel, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Manchester, Meriden, Milford, Norwalk, Orange, Stamford, West Haven, Westport and Wethersfield. In addition to this confirmed case, there has been one probable case of West Nile virus infection identified this year.
For information on West Nile virus and what you can do to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site.
