Meriden Mosquito Tests Positive For West Nile Virus

MERIDEN, CT — A mosquito carrying the West Nile Virus was identified in Meriden, according to a statement from the city.

Meriden's Health and Human Services Department was notified that the CT Agricultural Experiment Station identified the infected mosquitos.

The best way to avoid West Nile Virus is to not be bitten by mosquitos in the first place, and health officials recommend minimizing time outside, wearing insect repellant, and other precautions.

"I ask everyone to prevent mosquito bites by eliminating standing water around your home, making sure your door and window screens are in good repair, and covering bare skin and using insect repellent when outside – especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active," Lea Crown, director of Health and Human Services, said in a statement.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5 people develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash, according to a statement from the city.

Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months. Some populations, such as those persons over 60 and those with certain medical conditions, can develop a more severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis or meningitis.

Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis.

For more information, go to the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program's website.

See related: West Nile Virus In Connecticut: What Is To Be Done?