Greenwich Establishes Zika Task Force

GREENWICH, CT- First Selectman Peter Tesei has announced the establishment of a local Zika Virus Task Force to combat the spread at a local level.

There have been nearly 600 cases of travel-associated Zika virus cases in the U.S.

The primary spreader of Zika, the Aedes Aegypti isn't present in Connecticut, but the Aedes albopictus mosquito which is known to carry the virus can be found in areas of southwestern Connecticut.

“I believe the town, residents and commercial property owner(s) need to work together as a team to eliminate sources of standing water on their property," Tesei said. "Once this virus gets into the mosquito population, it will be hard to control the spread."

A collective effort could prevent the potential spread, he said.

Greenwich Director of Health Caroline Baisley will be chairman of the task force and other town officials will join in the effort.

The State Department of Public Health and Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will continue to carry out annual mosquito trapping and testing at 91 locations, including three in Greenwich. The mosquitoes are tested for various viruses.

In Connecticut, 252 patients, including 221 pregnant women, have been tested for Zika virus as of May 12. Six of the patients tested have been positive for travel-related Zika, including two pregnant women.

For more information and progress of the Task Force, visit the Town’s website at www.greenwichct.org after June 30, 2016.

Patch file photo