Connecticut State Department of Public Health

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Second WNV-Positive Mosquito Pool of Season

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                               Connecticut Department of Public Health

July 13, 2011                                                               Contact: William Gerrish

                                                                                    (860) 509-7270

 

                                                                                    Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station

                                                                                    Contact: Dr. Louis Magnarelli, Director

                                                                                    (203) 974-8500

 

 

Hartford – The State Mosquito Management Program today announced that mosquitoes trapped in Orange on June 29, 2011 have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). These results represent the first positive mosquitoes identified in Orange by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) this year.

 

“The identification of mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in Orange, after previously being found in Bridgeport, suggests that the virus is increasing in southern Connecticut,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Jewel Mullen. “We encourage residents and visitors throughout Connecticut to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.”

 

In 2011, WNV-positive mosquitoes have been trapped in 2 municipalities; the first were trapped in Bridgeport on June 21st and the second in Orange on June 29th. No Connecticut residents have been identified with illnesses related to WNV infections this year.

 

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 at www.ct.gov/caes.

 

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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