Five More Human Cases Of West Nile Virus In CT

HARTFORD, CT — The state Department of Public Health announced that it learned of five new human cases of West Nile Virus. There are now 15 confirmed cases of the virus infecting state residents.

The new cases involve residents of Danbury, Norwalk, Stamford, Thompson, and Westbrook. Ages range from 40 to more than 70-years-old. Three of the five patients required hospitalization. Other human cases of West Nile virus have previously been found in Bridgeport, Durham, Southington, Newington, Monroe, and Fairfield.

“It is very unusual for us to have this many people seriously ill with WNV infection in September” said DPH Commissioner Dr. Raul Pino. “More warm weather is forecast for this weekend and many Connecticutresidents will be outdoors enjoying the state’s country fairs, family gatherings, and other events, especially in the early evening when mosquitoes are most active. Please take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. WNV infection is preventable.”

Pino advised residents to use insect repellent and to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. The mosquito population is declining, but tested trapped mosquitoes keep testing positive for the virus. It is likely to continue until the first hard frost of October.

Last year there were three confirmed cases of West Nile in Connecticut. There were 134 cases between 1999 and the start of 2018.

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