Mosquitos In Willington, Mansfield Test Positive For West Nile Virus

WILLINGTON/MANSFIELD, CT — Officials from the Eastern Highlands Health District's CT Mosquito Management Program said Thursday that mosquitoes trapped in Mansfield and Willington on Aug. 22 have tested positive for West Nile virus.

The results represent the first WNV positive mosquitoes identified in the Eastern Highlands Health District area by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station this year.

"With the first positive mosquitoes of the season in our area of the state, it is important to stay vigilant with avoiding mosquito bites till the season ends," said Robert Miller, the director of health at the EHHD. "As the virus amplifies in the mosquito population towards the end of the season, we may see more positive test results until the first hard frost.”

The presence of West Nile Virus is a "stark reminder" that warmer and wetter weather continues
to pose a risk of mosquito-borne diseases, Miller said.

The Eastern Highlands Health District is now urges residents to "take necessary precautions" to protect themselves and their families.

They include:

• Using mosquito repellent that is EPA-approved on exposed skin and clothing in accordance with directions
• Eliminating breeding sites by regularly emptying and cleaning containers that can collect standing water, like flower pots, gutters, and birdbaths
• Wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks, and shoes that can help reduce exposure
• Minimizing time spent outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity is often highest
• Keeping mosquitos out of homes by making sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair

"It is important to note that some people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not
exhibit symptoms," health district officials said. "However, some individuals, especially the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, body aches, and fatigue. In severe cases, WNV can lead to neurological complications."

Residents can obtain more mosquito information from the Eastern Highlands Health District at

• WWW.EHHD.org/WestNile

• https://portal.ct.gov/caes

The EHHD, formed in 1997, is the local governmental public health authority providing full-time
professional public health services to 10municipalities in eastern Connecticut. Town
members include Andover, Ashford, Bolton, Chaplin, Columbia, Coventry, Mansfield, Scotland,
Tolland and Willington.