West Nile Virus Detected in 21 Connecticut Towns, No Human Cases Yet

HARTFORD, Conn. — Connecticut health officials report the detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes trapped in 21 towns as of the first week of August. A total of 48 mosquitoes have tested positive for the virus, according to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES).

No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported this season. The confirmed locations for infected mosquitoes include towns such as Bridgeport, Danbury, Stamford, and Cheshire, where the virus was not previously found.

John Shepard, a medical entomologist at CAES, noted, “We are seeing a geographic expansion of West Nile virus activity to new towns in Connecticut. We anticipate further build-up of West Nile virus in mosquitoes with increased risk of human infection from now through September.”

To combat mosquito bites, researchers encourage residents to use insect repellent and wear long-sleeve clothing, especially during peak activity times at dawn and dusk. Dr. Philip Armstrong, chief scientist at CAES, stressed the importance of these precautions.

The CAES operates a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations across 88 municipalities, rotating traps every ten days and increasing testing frequency following virus detection.

In Bushnell Park, Hartford resident Dan Myers shared his experience. “I haven’t noticed getting any mosquito bites, but I’ve seen them on me,” he said, indicating a cautious approach to the situation.

Charles Brown, health director for the Central Connecticut Health District, advised residents to be aware of symptoms of West Nile virus, including fever and body aches. He recommended using mosquito repellent containing DEET.

So far, no instances of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have been detected. Health officials continue to monitor the situation as summer progresses.