CT Dept. of Health announces first case of West Nile virus this year

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The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that a Connecticut resident has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection. DPH says this is the first human case of WNV identified in the state this season. Last year, seven cases of WNV were reported. The woman is identified as a resident of New Haven county and between 60-69 years of age. They say she first became ill in the first week of August but has recovered. "The first report of a human case of WNV this season along with the ongoing detection of WNV-infected and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)-infected mosquitoes in Connecticut and in neighboring states makes this an important time for health care providers to maintain a high index of suspicion for WNV and EEE," says DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. "Symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, or gastrointestinal symptoms for non-neuroinvasive disease while neuroinvasive signs and symptoms can include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and decreased consciousness." DPH advises people to minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeved shirts.  For information on West Nile virus and how to prevent mosquito bites, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site . "