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Health Department lists way to stop West Nile PDF Print
Saturday, August 16, 2008
In the wake of the first identification of West Nile Virus in Stratford this year, the Department of Health is advising residents to remove standing water, wear protective clothing and use insect repellent.
The mosquitoes that tested positive were trapped at Beacon Point July 24.
?It was just a matter of time before we discovered virus-carrying mosquitoes in Stratford. It?s been a very wet spring and summer and we are now in the height of mosquito season,? Assistant Director of Health Andrea Boissevain said in a press release.
The virus was isolated in two mosquitoes of the Culex species, which prefers birds but bites humans as well.
Positive mosquitoes have been identified in 16 Connecticut towns so far this season. The only human case so far was in Sherman.
?The town?s Conservation and Health departments continue to take the necessary precautions to minimize exposure to mosquitoes,? Mayor James R. Miron said. ?The town?s mosquito management program, under the Conservation Department, has been treating all catch basins and known breeding areas in town with a non-toxic larvicide since early April and continues to do so.?
?We urge residents to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to prevent exposure and bites,? Boissevain said.
Remove standing water
Artificial containers such as barrels and birdbaths are frequently used by these species of mosquitoes for laying eggs.
The Health Department calls for:
? Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers
? Cleaning clogged gutters.
? Drilling holes in bottom of recycling containers.
? Fixing holes in screens.
Owners of commercial properties with flat roofs are asked to check for standing water.
Wear protective clothing
Health officials advise residents to wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
Additional protection can be achieved by minimizing time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Door and windows screens should be tight fighting and in good repair, and mosquito netting should be used when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure, and to protect babies when outdoors.
Use insect repellent
The Health Department also advocates considering using mosquito repellent, as directed, when outdoors.
Repellents made with 20 to 30 percent of the active ingredient DEET are very effective when used properly, according to a press release.
Repellents should not be used on children younger than two years of age.
If infected
Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus and become ill will have a mild illness that may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting or skin rash. In rare cases, some people develop a severe form of the illness that can include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis. Older adults are more likely to have severe health consequences if they become infected with West Nile Virus.
More information on West Nile Virus and mosquito control can be found at www.townofstratford.com.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station also has information on mosquito surveillance control and mosquito-borne diseases at www.ct.gov/mosquito.
Up-to-date information can be obtained by calling 1-866-WNV-LINE (1-866-968-5463).
Saturday, August 16, 2008
In the wake of the first identification of West Nile Virus in Stratford this year, the Department of Health is advising residents to remove standing water, wear protective clothing and use insect repellent.
The mosquitoes that tested positive were trapped at Beacon Point July 24.
?It was just a matter of time before we discovered virus-carrying mosquitoes in Stratford. It?s been a very wet spring and summer and we are now in the height of mosquito season,? Assistant Director of Health Andrea Boissevain said in a press release.
The virus was isolated in two mosquitoes of the Culex species, which prefers birds but bites humans as well.
Positive mosquitoes have been identified in 16 Connecticut towns so far this season. The only human case so far was in Sherman.
?The town?s Conservation and Health departments continue to take the necessary precautions to minimize exposure to mosquitoes,? Mayor James R. Miron said. ?The town?s mosquito management program, under the Conservation Department, has been treating all catch basins and known breeding areas in town with a non-toxic larvicide since early April and continues to do so.?
?We urge residents to remain vigilant and take the necessary precautions to prevent exposure and bites,? Boissevain said.
Remove standing water
Artificial containers such as barrels and birdbaths are frequently used by these species of mosquitoes for laying eggs.
The Health Department calls for:
? Cleaning and chlorinating swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers
? Cleaning clogged gutters.
? Drilling holes in bottom of recycling containers.
? Fixing holes in screens.
Owners of commercial properties with flat roofs are asked to check for standing water.
Wear protective clothing
Health officials advise residents to wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
Additional protection can be achieved by minimizing time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
Door and windows screens should be tight fighting and in good repair, and mosquito netting should be used when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure, and to protect babies when outdoors.
Use insect repellent
The Health Department also advocates considering using mosquito repellent, as directed, when outdoors.
Repellents made with 20 to 30 percent of the active ingredient DEET are very effective when used properly, according to a press release.
Repellents should not be used on children younger than two years of age.
If infected
Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus and become ill will have a mild illness that may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting or skin rash. In rare cases, some people develop a severe form of the illness that can include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis. Older adults are more likely to have severe health consequences if they become infected with West Nile Virus.
More information on West Nile Virus and mosquito control can be found at www.townofstratford.com.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station also has information on mosquito surveillance control and mosquito-borne diseases at www.ct.gov/mosquito.
Up-to-date information can be obtained by calling 1-866-WNV-LINE (1-866-968-5463).