Four mosquitoes collected over the past two weeks have tested positive for West Nile virus, Health Director Maureen B. Lillis said.
Lillis said the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station is responsible for trapping, identifying and testing mosquitoes for encephalitis viruses.
According to Lillis, mosquitoes are collected annually from 108 sites in 89 municipalities statewide from early June through late October.
West Haven’s trapping site is located on Thill Street. Collected female mosquitoes are identified by species and submitted for virus testing, Lillis said.
West Nile virus has become the main cause of mosquito-borne illness in the U.S. since its introduction to North America in 1999. The virus is maintained in a bird-mosquito transmission cycle. Humans and horses can become infected when mosquitoes feed on infected birds and then mammals.
Mosquito larvae are most abundant in urban and suburban habitats, developing in water that collects in roadside ditches, catch basins and artificial containers, including tires.
The Agricultural Experiment Station recommends the following four precautions for mosquito prevention:
~~ Defend: Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered mosquito repellent, such as DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
~~ Dress: Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves, socks and pants to minimize mosquito bites.
~~ Dusk/dawn: Avoid areas where mosquitoes are active from one hour before sunset to one hour after sunrise.
~~ Drain/dump: Check around the home for containers or areas that hold water. Dump out once a week.
Check the West Haven Health Department Facebook page for updates and information: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063595150511. Anyone with questions can call the department at (203) 937-3660.