West Nile Virus Detected In Darien: Health Department

DARIEN, CT — Several mosquitoes in Darien have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV).

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), which is responsible for trapping, identifying, and testing mosquitoes for encephalitis viruses statewide, noted in their latest results posted this week that three mosquitoes out of the 2,702 tested on Brush Island Road were positive for WNV.

All 1,072 mosquitoes tested on High School Lane were negative, according to the state. Mosquito trapping is conducted at each site every 10 days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped for testing according to species, collection site, and date.

Darien Director of Health David Knauf said in a news release that finding mosquitoes positive for WNV commonly occurs each year at this time not only in Darien, but in many locations throughout the state. Knauf noted that zero cases of WNV have been diagnosed in Connecticut residents so far this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says on its website that WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the United States.

There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people, but most people infected with the disease do not feel sick, the CDC says.

About one in five people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms, and about one out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness, according to the CDC.

To reduce the chance of being bitten when outside, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants and a head cover, Knauf said.

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, Knauf added. It is applied to clothing and provides longer-lasting protection. Residents should not apply permethrin products directly to the skin.

There are also 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.

More information on the use of repellents can be found here.

Residents can help manage mosquitoes at home by eliminating standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs.

Mosquitoes need at least seven to 10 days in water to fully develop, Knauf said.

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

Mosquitoes prefer to rest in shady, calm areas and avoid open sunny, breezy areas, Knauf said.

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.

Avoiding outdoor activity during these peak mosquito times can minimize contact with mosquitoes.

Read more about mosquitoes in Connecticut and the WNV test results