Mosquitoes Carrying West Nile Virus Discovered In Darien: Health Department

DARIEN, CT — Mosquitoes recently found in Darien have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Darien Health Department, one of 17 Connecticut communities that have discovered the virus-carrying bugs.

"It is important to note that NO cases of West Nile Disease have been diagnosed in Connecticut residents thus far this year," Darien officials were quick to add in a statement this week.

The discovery was made on Aug. 22 during the state's routine monitoring of communities throughout Connecticut. If bitten by a mosquito with West Nile Virus, the symptoms can range from "slight fever, headache, rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea, malaise and eye pain, to the rapid onset of severe headache, high fever, stiff neck, disorientation, severe muscle weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms, coma or death," according to state health officials.

To protect yourself from contracting the virus, the Darien Health Department offers the following tips:

To reduce the chance of being bitten when outside, wear protective clothing such as long sleeves, long pants and head cover. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is preferable because dark clothing radiates more heat and attracts more mosquitoes.

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus can be used by most people and are often effective for varying lengths of time. Permethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that is widely available for repelling and killing ticks, also repels and kills mosquitoes. It is applied to clothing and provides longer-lasting protection. Do not apply permethrin products directly to skin.

Although not marketed as repellents, there are several cosmetic liquids and creams that claim some level of mosquito repellency. These products may effectively repel when mosquito pressure is light, but need to be reapplied frequently. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides further information on the use and effective use of repellants.

What you can do: You can help with managing the mosquito “problem” but you need to realize that part of what makes this area so pleasant for us is what encourages the mosquitoes to be here as well…..and that is the presence of water. One of the easiest and surest ways to manage mosquitoes around the home is to eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can lay eggs. Mosquitoes need at least 7-10 days in water to fully develop. Some common sources of mosquitoes around the home are:

• Artificial containers that hold water (e.g., pails, paint cans, discarded tires)

• Boat or pool covers or tarps that collect rain water

• Unmaintained bird baths or wading pools

• Rain barrels and clogged roof gutters

• Rot holes in trees and stumps

• Practice good sanitation around the home. Homeowners should properly dispose of or recycle trash which can hold rainwater. Make it a practice to flush bird baths and wading pools weekly. Swimming pool filtering systems should be maintained and in good working order.

Click here for additional tips and information from the Darien Health Department.

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