A second Connecticut resident has contracted West Nile Virus this season.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health said a Hartford County resident who is between 50 and 59 years old became ill during the third week of August with West Nile meningoencephalitis, was hospitalized, and has recovered.
They said laboratory tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to West Nile virus.
The East Hartford mayor's office said an East Hartford resident is the person who contracted the virus.
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In July, a New Haven County woman was the first resident to contract West Nile virus this season.
Health officials said she is between 50 and 59 years old, became ill during the third week of July with West Nile fever and recovered.
"The identification of a Connecticut resident with West Nile virus-associated illness requiring hospitalization emphasizes the potential seriousness of this infection,” Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani said in a statement. "As we approach the cooler weather, it is important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Using insect repellent, covering bare skin, and avoiding being outdoors during the hours of dusk and dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes."
Health
The state Department of Health said most people -- eight out of 10 -- who are infected with the virus do not develop symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop West Nile fever, an illness, which includes fever and other symptoms, such as body aches, joint pain, headache, or a rash. About one out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal.
Health officials said people over the age of 60 are at highest risk of serious illness.
Tips for reducing mosquitoes around homes
These are tips from the state Department of Public Health
- Eliminate standing water suitable for mosquitoes. Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
- Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
- Clean clogged roof gutters.
- Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
- Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.
Tips for avoiding mosquito bites when outdoors
- Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven and loose-fitting.
- 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, and apply according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.
- When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20 percent for four hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months old.
- Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair to avoid mosquito bites when indoors.
