Mosquitoes Test Positive For West Nile Virus In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Stamford is attempting to control the local mosquito population after some tested positive for West Nile virus, according to an announcement from the state's Mosquito Management Program. On Monday, the Stamford Health Department will continue a process known as "larviciding," in which insecticides are sprayed in catch basins that specifically target insects in their larval stage, within the city.

The department has already been in the process of larviciding since June, and will continue to do so in an attempt to "prevent the development of adult mosquitoes with the West Nile virus infection," according to a statement from the city. The process will be repeated regularly through September.

Mosquitoes with West Nile Virus have been reported in Stamford for the past two years, in both 2017 and 2018, but no human infections of the virus have been reported in the city this year, officials said.

Patch has reached out the Stamford Department of Health and the city's Environmental Health Office for more information.

Symptoms compatible with West Nile include fever, maculopapular rash, headache, fatigue, weakness, joint and muscle pain as well as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

As the city works to control its mosquito population, residents are asked to remove items that attract the insects, such as discarded cans or bottles, standing water and overgrown grass, bushes or shrubbery.

The department also encourages residents to make sure the screens on all house windows and doors are intact, and to avoid outdoor activities at dawn or dusk. Wearing mosquito repellent, long sleeves and pants are also recommended when outside at these times.