Mosquitoes in at least 40 towns across the state have now tested positive for West Nile Virus.
Mosquitoes infected with West Nile have been found in Bethany, Bridgeport, Chester, Danbury, Darien, East Haven, Easton, Fairfield, Franklin, Greenwich, Haddam, Hamden, Hartford, Madison, Manchester, Meriden, Middlefield, Milford, Monroe, New Britain, New Canaan, New Haven, Newington, North Branford, Norwalk, Orange, Shelton, South Windsor, Stamford, Stratford, Wallingford, Waterbury, Waterford, West Hartford, West Haven, Westbrook, Weston, Westport, Wethersfield and Woodbridge.
A Fairfield resident and a Newington resident tested positive for West Nile virus last month. The patients are between 60 and 79 years old and became ill during the last week of July with encephalitis. They are the first two human cases of West Nile Virus associated illnesses in the state this season, Department of Public Health officials said.
"The identification of two Connecticut residents with West Nile virus associated illness that required hospitalization underscores the potential seriousness of infection," Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino said in a statement. "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."
