WEST NILE VIRUS IN HARTFORD

(August 2, 2012) --- In late July, the State of Connecticut found mosquitos that tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV) in the City of Hartford. The Hartford Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) urges residents to take precautions against mosquito bites independently of the low risk this finding represents.

Although the risk is minimal and no human cases have been reported in Hartford in the last two years, there is always the need for preventive measures during peak season. The City of Hartford along with HHS recommends some simple steps to avoid mosquito bites:

Preventing mosquito bites:

• Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
• Be sure door and windows 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.
• When using DEET (the most widely used insect repellent) on children, use a product containing less than 10% DEET and wash treated skin after returning indoors.

Preventing mosquitos at home:

• Dispose of water-holding containers such as ceramic pots, used tires, and 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 cover pools when not in use.
• Use landscaping techniques to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.

Additional Resources:

Hartford Department of Health and Human Services: (860) 543-8800;

http://hhs.hartford.gov/default.aspx

State of Connecticut Department of Public Health Epidemiology Program: (860) 509-7994; http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3136&;q=396192

Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station:

http://www.ct.gov/caes/cwp/view.asp?Q=377446&;A=2819

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/index.htm