West Nile Virus Found In Stamford Mosquito: State

STAMFORD, CT — A mosquito found at Cove Island Park in Stamford this month tested positive for West Nile virus, according to officials with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Out of 722 mosquitoes trapped at the park and tested, only one carried the virus. The discovery was made on July 16 but was posted by the state on Tuesday.

Stamford's positive test marks the second discovery of West Nile virus in Connecticut this month; on July 8 one mosquito out of 1,002 tested from Churchill Park in Newington came back positive.

So far this season, the state has tested more than 105,000 mosquitoes, with only two coming back with positive results.

According to the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most people who are bitten by a mosquito with West Nile virus do not suffer any serious illnesses. But for some, they may develop a fever in addition to "headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash."

In rare occurrences, more serious symptoms may develop, such as encephalitis or meningitis.

To avoid mosquitoes that may carry West Nile virus, use insect repellent; wear long sleeve tops and long pants; and empty outdoor containers that may have standing water where mosquitoes like to breed.