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The mosquito was trapped in Shelton on Aug. 17. CAES maintains 91 mosquito traps in 73 towns statewide, including in Shelton. Results from the mosquito traps provide information on the number and types of mosquitoes present in the state, as well as the rates of infection with West Nile and other viruses that may have public health importance.
CAES announced last week that mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus have been trapped in at least 20 towns, including Bridgeport and Stratford.
The Naugatuck Valley Health District is advising residents that now is the time to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. This is the time of year when virus activity reaches its peak in the mosquito population.
Here are some tips to prevent mosquito bites:
- Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
- Consider use of mosquitoes repellant, according to directions, when outdoors.
- Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies when outdoors.
For information on West Nile virus and how to prevent mosquito bites, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito. You may also call Naugatuck Valley Health District at (203) 881-3255, for more information.
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