FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE            Connecticut Department of Public Health

August 17, 2010                                       Contact: William Gerrish

                                                                (860) 509-7270

                                                                 Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

                                                                 Contact: Dr. Theodore Andreadis

                                                                 (203) 974-8510

Hartford – The State Mosquito Management Program today announced that mosquitoes trapped in Fairfield, Manchester, Milford, Westport and Wethersfield from August 5-11, 2010 have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).  These are the first positive mosquitoes identified in these five towns by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) this year.  Earlier this season positive mosquitoes were trapped in Bethel, Bridgeport, Meriden, Norwalk, Orange, Stamford and West Haven bringing the total to 12 towns.  So far this season, only one probable human WNV infection has been identified.

“West Nile virus in mosquitoes is spreading to additional areas of the state,” said Theodore G. Andreadis, Ph.D., Chief Medical Entomologist, CAES.  “Positive mosquitoes also continue to be detected in previously identified areas increasing the risk of human exposure.”

“West Nile virus positive mosquitoes have been confirmed in three counties,” said Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin.  “I am reminding Connecticut residents of the importance to take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites at this time of the year.”

The Trumbull resident, 50-60 years, became ill during the second week of June. The illness was characterized by low-grade fever, headache, body aches and weakness. The person was not hospitalized and has recovered. A blood sample collected in late July tested positive for WNV antibodies. The case is probable due to the onset of the infection early in the season and the presence of WNV antibodies. WNV antibodies in the blood indicate that the person has been previously infected with the virus, but could have been infected this season or in a previous season.

Monitoring and risk assessment for WNV emphasizes mosquito trapping and testing results.  The CAES maintains a network of 91 mosquito-trapping stations in 72 municipalities throughout the state.  Mosquito traps are set Monday – Thursday nights and conducted at each site every ten days on a rotating basis.  Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date.  Each pool is tested for the presence of viruses of public health importance.  Positive findings are reported to local health departments, in press releases and on the CAES web site.

For information on West Nile virus and what you can do to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito.

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