West Nile virus expanding to more Connecticut towns

Connecticut’s Mosquito Management Program is urging the public to take precautions as it reports an increasing risk of infection by West Nile virus (WNV), citing the expanding reach of the virus.

WNV-infected mosquitoes have now been detected in eight cities and towns: Bridgeport, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, New Haven, Norwalk, Stamford and Wethersfield.

"The current warm weather and high humidity provide favorable conditions for the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus," said Dr. Philip Armstrong, Chief Scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES). "We urge everyone to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent and covering bare skin, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”

CASE also suggests the residents wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when outdoors for long periods of time, especially between dusk and dawn.

No WNV cases in humans or horses have been reported in the state this year. The state counts four WNV human deaths since 2000.

There’s more information online here .