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The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced today that it had learned that four other Connecticut residents had tested positive for West Nile virus infection, wearing the total for this season to ten cases of WNV in humans.
Two of the patients come from Bridgeport, one from Durham and one from Southington. All four patients were 50 to 70 years old and older, and three of the four patients had to be hospitalized. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of anti-WNV antibodies in all four patients.
Patients in Bridgeport and Durham became ill by mid-August and the Southington patient became ill during the second week of September.
Other human cases reported earlier this summer include a Newington child and adults from Newington, Monroe, Fairfield and Southington. (To sign up for free local news alerts from more than 100 communities in Connecticut, click here.)
"It's a good time to go out in the fall, the temperatures are starting to cool and the Connecticut season is in full swing, but it's also important to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites," said Raul Pino. , Commissioner of DPH. prepared statement published to the media. "You can reduce your risk of WNV by using an insect repellent and by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.A serious illness can occur in people of all ages, but children and over 60 years t until the first frost of autumn. "
West Nile virus has been detected in the state annually since 1999. Prior to 2018, 134 cases of WNV in humans had been diagnosed in Connecticut residents, including three deaths. Last year, three Connecticut residents were diagnosed with WNV infection.
What are the symptoms of WNV?
• severe symptoms in some people. About 1 in every 150 WN infected persons will develop a serious illness.
Severe symptoms may include high fever, headache, stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, and paralysis. These symptoms may last for several weeks and the neurological effects may be permanent.
Less serious symptoms in some people. Up to 20% of those infected will experience symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes lymph nodes or rash on the chest, l '. stomach and back.
• No symptoms in most people. About 80% of people infected with WNV will not have any symptoms, but it is impossible to know in advance if you will develop an illness or not.
Tips for reducing mosquitoes around homes
Mosquitoes need water to reproduce. The following measures can help reduce mosquitoes:
• Eliminate stagnant water suitable for mosquitoes. Discard containers containing water, such as ceramic pots, used tires and swings.
• Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
• Clean blocked gutters.
• Flip objects that can trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
• Change the water in the bird baths every week.
• Clean and chlorinate pools. When swimming pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain them if necessary.
Tips to avoid mosquito bites on the outside
Mosquitoes require a blood meal for breeding. The following measures can help reduce mosquito bites that feed on people:
• Pay special attention to dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeved shirts. Clothing should be tightly woven.
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outdoors.
• Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, IR3535 or 2-undecanone, and
• When using DEET, use the lowest effective concentration for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts about two hours and 20% for four hours) and wash the treated skin when returning to the home. # 39; inside. Do not apply under clothing, sores or irritated skin, children's hands, or infants under two months of age.
• Also ensure window and door screens are tight and in good condition to prevent mosquito bites inside.
The state maintains a network of 91 mosquito trapping stations in 72 municipalities across the state. Mosquito traps are installed from Monday to Thursday evening at each site, every ten days, by rotation. Mosquitoes are grouped together for testing according to species, collection site and date.
Positive results are shared with local health units and on the CAES website at http://www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting. For more information on West Nile virus and on how to prevent mosquito bites, visit the Connecticut's Mosquito Management Program website at www.ct.gov/mosquito.
Image via Shutterstock
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