Mosquitoes Positive For West Nile Virus Found In Darien: DPH

DARIEN, CT — Mosquitoes positive for West Nile Virus were recently found in Darien, the Connecticut Department of Public Health reported Monday.

In a news release provided by the Darien Health Department, Director of Health Mindy Chambrelli noted finding mosquitoes positive for WNV commonly occurs each year around this time, not only in Darien but in many locations throughout the state.

Chambrelli also emphasized no cases of West Nile Disease have been diagnosed in Connecticut residents thus far this year.

According to Chambrelli, the State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is monitoring mosquitoes for the presence of viruses that can cause illness in people, including WNV, Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) and ZIKA.

The mosquito trapping and testing program, coordinated by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), began in June and continues through October.

The CAES maintains a network of mosquito-trapping stations in municipalities throughout the state with two traps located in Darien. Mosquito trapping is conducted at each site every ten days on a rotating basis, according to Chambrelli.

Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Test results are available approximately one week after mosquito collection and positive results are reported to local health departments by the state DPH, Chambrelli said.

"Protect yourself from mosquitos," Chambrelli said in a news release. "To reduce the chance of being bitten when outside, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants and head cover. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is preferable because dark clothing radiates more heat and attracts more mosquitoes."

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus can be used by most people and are often effective for varying lengths of time. Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that is widely available for repelling and killing ticks, also repels and kills mosquitoes. It is applied to clothing and provides longer-lasting protection. Do not apply permethrin products directly to skin. Although not marketed as repellents, there are several cosmetic liquids and creams that claim some level of mosquito repellency. These products may effectively repel when mosquito pressure is light, but need to be reapplied frequently.

What you can do: You can help with managing the mosquito “problem” but you need to realize that part of what makes this area so pleasant for us is what encourages the mosquitoes to be here as well….and that is the presence of water. One of the easiest and surest ways to manage mosquitoes around the home is to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Mosquitoes need at least 7-10 days in water to fully develop.

Some common sources of mosquitoes around the home are:

• Artificial containers that hold water (e.g., pails, paint cans, discarded tires)
• Boat or pool covers or tarps that collect rain water
• Unmaintained bird baths, rain barrels or wading pools
• Clogged or poorly maintained roof gutters
• Rot holes in trees and stumps

Practice good sanitation around the home: Homeowners should properly dispose of or recycle trash that can hold rainwater. Make it a practice to flush birdbaths and wading pools weekly. Swimming pool filtering systems should be maintained and in good working order. Abandoned pools should be drained, filled or "shocked" with pool chemicals. Openings for standing water sources, such as rain barrels, can be sealed or covered with screening. Rotten stumps and tree holes can be filled with sand. Discarded tires should be disposed of properly, holes (0.5 inches or larger) can be drilled in the bottom of the tires to drain rainwater or the tires can be stacked and covered to prevent rainwater from entering. Ornamental pools and aquatic gardens can become sources of mosquitoes if the water is allowed to stagnate. Water should be changed frequently or an aerator can be installed. Insecticides, such as those containing the bacteria Bacillus thurgiensis var. israelensis (Bti), are available at many nurseries and garden supply centers and can be used to treat mosquito breeding sites on your property. In general, natural ponds and lakes are not sources of mosquito breeding, because permanent bodies of water usually contain fish and other predators that would consume mosquito larvae.

"There are also ways homeowners can minimize the annoyance caused by adult mosquitoes," Chambrelli said. "Mosquitoes prefer to rest in shady, calm areas and avoid open sunny, breezy areas. Mowing tall grass will reduce places where mosquitoes can rest. Mosquitoes are most active around dawn and dusk although some, such as the common saltmarsh mosquito, may be active throughout the day or may be more active during cloudy, humid weather. Simply avoiding outdoor activity during these peak mosquito times can minimize contact with mosquitoes."

More information is available at https://portal.ct.gov/dph.