Bethel Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile Virus: DPH

BETHEL, CT — A trapped mosquito in Bethel has tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Bethel Health Department.

Although no human cases have been reported, health officials are encouraging residents to take certain precautions:

• Use mosquito repellent.
• Wear long sleeves and pants at dawn and dusk.
• Remove standing water around your home.

Last Friday, the Connecticut DPH reported that a New Haven County woman was the first state resident to test positive for West Nile virus this season. Last year, seven cases of WNV infection were reported in the state.

West Nile virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since 1999 and is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the US. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. About one in 5 people who are infected develop West Nile fever, an illness which includes a fever and other symptoms such as body aches, joint pain, headache, or a rash. About one out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal. People over the age of 60 are at highest risk of serious illness, according to DPH.