Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Found Nearby

A press release from the East Shore Health District. 

The East Shore District Health Department has received confirmation that mosquitoes recently sampled in East Haven carried the West Nile virus. The mosquitoes were collected on Aug. 21 at the Branford’s Hosley Road trap location. 

The species of mosquito, Culex pipiens, lives and breeds in and around artificial water pools. Because of this, they are likely to encounter humans and will bite if humans are close by. 

From now through the fall, people need to remain vigilant in protecting themselves from mosquito bites. These findings are clear evidence that the virus is circulating in our area. Mosquitoes, most likely, will be with us for several more weeks, and we need to take the proper precautions to avoid mosquito bites.”

The Health Department advises that people take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Personal protection measures include:

• Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies.
• Use mosquito repellent containing DEET, according to directions, when outdoors.

• Dispose of water holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, tire swings.
• Drill holes in bottoms of recycling containers.
• Clean clogged roof gutters
• Turn over plastic wading pools, wheelbarrows, etc.
• Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers.
• Use landscaping to eliminate standing water on your property.

For more information, you may call the health district at (203) 481-4233 or visit its website at www.esdhd.org.