West Nile Virus Found In Cheshire

Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus were found at Lock 12 in Cheshire last week, according to the state Mosquito Management Program. The report shows eight mosquitoes, trapped on July 26, tested positive for the virus which can be transmitted to humans. 

“West Nile virus is rapidly expanding throughout the state as a result of warm temperatures, high humidity, and frequent rainfall that have created ideal conditions for amplification of the virus in local mosquito populations,” said Dr. Theodore G. Andreadis, of Cheshire. He is the chief medical entomologist with the Connecticut Agricultural Extension Service. “Virus levels will continue to increase during the next several weeks creating an elevated risk for human infection," he said.

Experts say August and September are the months when humans are at greatest risk of getting the virus from mosquitoes. “Everyone should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites, particularly people over 50 since they are most likely to develop serious illness.”

There were a total of 9 cases reported in the state last year of human illness from the virus but none, as yet, this year.

For more information on the disease and the state’s monitoring of it, visit the state’s Mosquito Management Program website or the state health department’s website.