Mosquitoes in Connecticut have tested positive for West Nile Virus. The virus was detected in a pool of mosquitoes collected in Easton. It is the second pool of the creatures to test positive for West Nile this season, the other being in New Canaan.
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station Director Dr. Theodore Andreadis says the area is not a typical hot spot for the virus.
The virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since 1999. Last year, three state residents were diagnosed and hospitalized from infections.
Precautions to avoid mosquito bites include using insect repellent when outdoors and repairing damaged window screens.
The trapping program has been in place for about 20-years. It's funded by the state and the CDC. There are 91 locations throughout the state tested beginning in June, through the end of October. Andreadis says they process 200,000 to 300,000 mosquitoes each year. Traps set out each morning and taken back to lab each day. Any mosquito caught is then screened for 7 viruses, including West Nile and EEE. The turn around time is 3 to 4 days.
If mosquitoes test positive, the lab notifies the Department of Public Health, which then warns local health officials.
