Naugatuck VHD Offers Mosquito Prevention Tips

From Naugatuck Valley Health District:

Naugatuck Valley Health District (NVHD) would like to remind residents to take precautions to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites, as West Nile Virus (WNV) is present in Connecticut. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has identified WNV infected mosquitoes in two communities in Fairfield County, Stamford and Bridgeport. Dr. Raul Pino, the Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health recently stated, “Historically, August and September are the months of greatest risk for acquiring West Nile Virus infection”. This is why taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites is key in preventing WNV.

To avoid mosquito bites, NVHD advises residents to take the following precautions:

1. Wear light-colored, loose fitting long sleeved clothing during outdoor activities.
2. Use mosquito repellent when you go outdoors, especially during dusk and dawn. Proper application of mosquito repellent that contains DEET as the active ingredient on exposed skin and clothing decreases the risk of being bitten.
3. Remove any standing water outside your home.

If you have any questions, please visit www.nvhd.org for more information or call (203) 881-3255.

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