Mosquitoes trapped in Stratford have tested positive for West Nile Virus, making it the seventh Connecticut town this summer.
Culex restuans mosquitoes trapped at Beacon Point on Aug. 5 have tested positive for the virus, according to a statement from Stratford’s director of health.
This comes after mosquitoes in Darien, Guilford, New Haven, Waterford, West Haven and Stamford previously tested positive.
“We’ve been watching other towns around us with positive mosquitoes,” Andrea Boissevain, director of Health said in a statement, “so, it was only a matter of time. We urge residents to take quick and easy steps to prevent exposure and bites like wearing long sleeves, especially at dawn and dusk and use insect repellent!”
Culex restuans is primarily a bird-biting mosquito, but can bite humans, health officials said.
“The best defense is to get rid of standing water in flower pots, bird baths, trash cans and their lids, anything that collects water, effectively removing the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes,” Christina Batoh, Stratford’s Environmental Conservation Administrator, said in a statement. “The best way to reduce your risk of being exposed is to keep mosquitoes out of your home: secure your window and door screens.”
Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus and become ill will have a mild illness that might include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting or skin rash.
Rarely, people develop a severe form of the illness that can include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis. Older adults are more likely to have severe health consequences if they become infected with West Nile Virus.
