Mosquitoes in Waterford have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the state Department of Public Health.
It's the first time West Nile has been identified in Connecticut this year.
State officials said the mosquitoes in question were trapped July 20.
"Early to mid-July is when we typically start to see an increase in infected mosquitoes, and this is a reminder for people to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites now through September," Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Medical Entomologist Dr. Philip Armstrong said in a statement Friday.
Officials are encouraging residents to take the folowing precautions when spending time outdoors:
- Minimize the amount of time spent outside from dawn to dusk
- Wear long clothing, socks and shoes when spending an extended amount of time outside
- Use mosquito nets when camping or sleeping outside
- Use bug spray/mosquito repellant
Mosquitoes tested postive for West Nile in 15 Connecticut cities and towns last year. Six residents of Fairfield and New Haven counties were infected by the virus.
