HARTFORD, CONN (July 27, 2022) – This week, state officials notified the City of Hartford that one mosquito carrying West Nile virus (WNV) were trapped in Keney Park on July 19, 2022. West Nile virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since 1999. Today the City of Hartford thanked the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station for their work in detecting West Nile Virus, shared an FAQ regarding WNV, and urged residents to report any potential WNV infections to a health care professional.
According to the State, symptoms of WNV can range from a slight fever, headache, rash, swollen lymph nodes and nausea to the rapid onset of a severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, muscle weakness, and coma. Please see Frequently Asked Questions about WNV from the State here.
“West Nile Virus is very rare, but it’s good to be aware of disease and its symptoms, and we wanted to share this information with our community,” said Mayor Bronin.
The City of Hartford actively works to control the mosquito population to reduce the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases. The City’s catch basins are treated twice over the summer. Keney Park is also treated, as its wooded environment provides mosquitoes an ideal breeding location. The City’s Department of Health and Human Services recommends the following steps to avoid WNV or other mosquito-borne illnesses:
Preventing mosquito bites:
- Be aware that mosquitoes are most active between dusk and dawn and take preventative steps during that time.
- Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods, or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies when outdoors.
- Use mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.
- 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.
- Use landscaping techniques to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.
Hartford Department of Health and Human Services: (860) 757-4700; https://www.hartfordct.gov/Government/Departments/HHS
Connecticut Mosquito Management Program: http://www.ct.gov/mosquito
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