As of May 30, WNV activity in animals or mosquitoes was identified in the following states this season: Arkansas, California, Florida, Missouri, Texas, and West Virginia. In addition, human cases were reported in two states, Mississippi and Texas. There have been no WNV findings in the Northeastern Unites States.

“We urge all Connecticut residents to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites during the mosquito season,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, MD, MPH. “The DPH recommends taking personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including the use of mosquito repellent, to allow Connecticut residents to continue to play and work outdoors safely. We also ask the public to reduce mosquito breeding areas around homes,” he stated.

During 2005, there was an increase in human WNV infections in Northeastern states compared to 2004. In Connecticut, six persons were confirmed with WNV infection including residents of Fairfield (3), Hartford (1), and New Haven (1) Counties. One of these persons was infected while traveling out of state. Onset of illness ranged from August 9 to September 23. There was one fatality. Infected birds or mosquitoes were identified in 17 additional towns. There were no human cases of EEE.

The CAES has established a network of 91 mosquito-trapping stations in 72 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday–Thursday nights with trapping conducted at each site every ten days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Each pool is tested for the presence of viruses of public health importance. Positive findings are reported to local health departments, in press releases, and on the CAES website.

Since 2000 there have been significant decreases in the numbers of dead birds sightings reported and those testing positive for WNV infection. During 2006, deaths of wild birds will not be used to evaluate the risk of WNV. Surveillance for WNV will emphasize mosquito trapping and testing results. In addition, the DPH Laboratory provides testing for hospitalized patients with suspected WNV related illnesses.

Precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:

Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn

Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair

Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven

Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors

Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions

The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin.

When using DEET use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20 percent for four hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months.

Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:

Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, tire swings

Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling

Clean clogged roof gutters

Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use such as wading pools and wheelbarrows

Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis

Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and when not in use, pool covers

Use landscaping techniques to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property

Additional resources for information include:

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station website at www.caes.state.ct.us.

The Department of Environmental Protection website at www.dep.state.ct.us.

The Department of Agriculture website at www.state.ct.us/doag

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov.