FirstCTcase of West Nile virus this season found in Wethersfield mosquito, report shows

Jul. 27—The infected mosquito was trapped on Goff Road, which connects Nott Street, Route 175 and Route 287 in the western part of town near the Newington line.

The virus usually causes mild, flu-like symptoms, although it can cause life-threatening illnesses such as encephalitis or meningitis, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.

Last season, West Nile was detected in 185 mosquito pools from 24 municipalities in six Connecticut counties. The majority of the activity was detected in densely populated urban and suburban regions in Fairfield, Hartford and New Haven counties, the agricultural experiment station said.

Seven human cases of West Nile-associated illness were reported last season with dates of onset from Aug. 11 to Sept. 20.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, the station says residents should:

—Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

—Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.

—Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.

—Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and protect small babies when outdoors.

—Consider the use of an EPA-registered mosquito repellent when necessary to be outdoors.

—

How pingpong helps CT residents with Parkinson's find balance

—

West Hartford's A Connecticut Party announces candidate slate