West Nile Virus 2007

For Immediate Release July 5, 2007

MANCHESTER HEALTH DEPARTMENT

West Nile Virus activity has started for this season in Manchester. As part of a statewide mosquito trapping and monitoring program, the Manchester Health Department was notified today that mosquitoes trapped on June 27, 2007 at a testing site in Manchester showed a presence of West Nile Virus. This is not the first time mosquitoes trapped in Manchester have tested positive for WNV, but it's a good time to take steps to reduce chances of getting this disease.

West Nile Virus is an infection that can cause serious illness and in some cases death. People of all ages are susceptible to West Nile Virus, though older adults are more likely to develop serious symptoms. It is spread to humans by the bite of infected mosquitoes. The peak time that West Nile Virus is transmissible to humans in Connecticut is during the last two weeks of August and the month of September, until there is a killing frost.

To protect yourself, you should remember to:

Eliminate all standing water around your home where mosquitoes can multiply such as flower pots and rain gutters (reduce mosquito breeding areas)
Use Mosquito Repellent that contains DEET (see instructions for usage)
Limit the time spent outdoors during Peak Mosquito-biting Hours (at early evening and early morning)
Wear long-sleeves, long pants and socks (especially during peak biting times)
Install or Repair Screens (cover playpens and carriages with mosquito netting)

For more information, call the Health Department at (860) 647-3173. Additional materials can be found on the Centers for Disease Control website (www.cdc.gov).