Health
Human case of West Nile virus in Stamford
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Sep 3, 2010 - 7:03 PM

STAMFORD, CT - September 3, 2010 – The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) has confirmed that a resident of Stamford has tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV) infection. The resident of Stamford, aged 50-59, was recently admitted to Stamford Hospital, and is still hospitalized. This year, WNV has been confirmed in a Trumbull resident, a New Haven resident (August), a Bridgeport resident and a Greenwich resident.

According to Anne Fountain, MPH, Interim Director of Health and Social Services for the City of Stamford, “Individuals over the age of 50 are at greatest risk for complications of West Nile Virus infection, but individuals of any age should take precautions regarding exposure to West Nile Virus. That is why it is so important for all residents to seek medical attention should they develop symptoms that could be due to West Nile Virus infection. It is also important that all residents avoid contact with mosquitoes and consider using insect repellant according to the label instructions, when outside for work or recreation.”

Precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:
- Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
- Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
- Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
- Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. Wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months.

Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:
- Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
- Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
- Clean clogged roof gutters.
- Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
- Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and when not in use, cover.

For More information: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/

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