Date: Fri 24-Sep-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

virus-health-mosquito

Full Text:

Health Director: No Need For Local Concern Over Mosquito-Borne Virus

Newtown Health District Director Mark Cooper said residents should not panic

over the discovery in Fairfield County of mosquitoes carrying the deadly St

Louis Encephalitis (SLE) virus.

One infected mosquito was found in a trap on the Greenwich/Stamford line this

week and a dead crow in Westport also was found to be infected. The viral

disease carried by the mosquitoes has infected a dozen people and killed

three, primarily in New York City. There has never been a human case of SLE

known to have been acquired in Connecticut.

Arthur Rocque, commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection

(DEP), said the state plans to spray the insecticide Scourge (Resmethrin) in

communities where SLE was found and in adjoining communities, as the weather

permits. No spraying is planned in Newtown.

"The DEP has traps in the swamp by Hattertown Road and has been monitoring

them for Eastern Equine Encephalitis for more than a year," Mr Cooper said.

"Now they also will check for SLE, but I don't think there is any reason for

concern at this point."

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has identified the SLE virus

from a pool of Culex pipiens , a common house mosquito, which is believed to

be the principal vector for SLE. This type of mosquito develops primarily in

standing water in such places as bird baths, rain gutters, catch basins, used

tires, wading pools, and in polluted water. The mosquito is mostly active at

dusk and in the evening.

The State Department of Public Health is advising the public to protect

themselves from mosquito bites by avoiding outdoor activities from one hour to

one hour after dusk and dawn. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants

outdoors. Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET. Cover the legs and arms

of children playing outdoors near swampy areas, and cover baby playpens and

carriages with mosquito netting.

Do not camp out overnight near freshwater swamps. In other areas, make sure

tents are equipped with mosquito netting.

Do not let stagnant water collect around your home. Fix holes in screens and

make sure they are tightly attached to windows and doors.

The public can contact the mosquito information line (860/424-4284) to get

updated information and spraying information.