Mosquitoes in Newington have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Central Connecticut Health District.
Health officials said the test results were reported Monday. So far in 2016, mosquitoes seven Connecticut towns have tested positive for West Nile. Those towns Bridgeport, Darien, Hartford, Stamford, Stratford, West Hartford and Newington.
The health district offers the following tips to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes
- Avoid outdoor activities one hour before and one hour after dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear long sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors; it is especially important to cover the arms and legs of children.
- When outside, use mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some oil of lemon eucalyptus or paramenthane-diol. Follow the directions on the package. No product containing DEET should be used on infants less than two months old.
- Cover babies’ playpens and carriages with mosquito netting when outdoors.
- Avoid camping near fresh water swamps and use mosquito netting in tents.
- Stay indoors when mosquitoes are numerous.
- Eliminate sources of standing water such as stagnant ponds, ditches, flower pots and old tires, as mosquitoes only need a few tablespoons of water to lay eggs. Drain and turn over children’s pools, clean clogged gutters, and flush birdbaths and fountains once or twice a week. Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers and any similar containers that have accumulated on your property, and drill holes in the bottoms of recycling containers that are left outside.
- Make sure your property is graded properly and has adequate drainage. Look for places where rainwater collects and fill all holes and depressions. Mosquitoes will breed in any puddle that lasts for
- more than 4 days.
- Store boats, wheelbarrows, and containers upside down. If you have a pond, be sure it is aerated or stocked with fish such as goldfish or minnows, which eat mosquito larvae.
- Patch holes in screens and make sure screens are tightly attached to doors and windows.
- Use low toxicity insecticides and always follow the directions on the products. When applying sprays, be sure to keep the wind at your back, carry the spray away from you and avoid personal contact with it and excessive inhalation of spray materials.
- Place Bat houses on your property.
Most people who become infected with West Nile experience no symptoms. Those who do usually begin exhibiting three to 14 days after been bitten. Symptoms include fever, body aches, headache, rash and conjunctivitis.
Health officials said anyone experiencing severe symptoms such as high fever, stiff neck, severe headache, disorientation, vision loss or numbness and muscle weakness should contact a doctor. Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to serious infections.
Anyone with concerns about mosquitos or a general public health issue can contact the Central Connecticut Health District, which serves Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield, at (860) 721-2822 or online at www.ccthd.org
