The State Mosquito Management Program says mosquitoes that they trapped in Stamford on July 16 have tested positive for West Nile virus.
According to the City of Stamford, The City’s Department of Health will begin larvaciding catch basins in the area to control the mosquito population; in addition to the larvaciding the department has conducted since June to preemptively control the local mosquito population.
Effectively controlling mosquito-borne diseases requires a partnership between the Department of Health and Stamford’s community. Homeowners and businesses are reminded to remove standing water, discard cans and bottles, and cut back all grass, bushes, and shrubbery on their properties. Homeowners and businesses can report locations of nuisance mosquito populations to the Department of Health.
Residents are reminded to take the necessary precautions when outdoors, including checking window screens and door screens, wearing approved mosquito repellant, avoiding outdoor activities at dawn or dusk, wearing long sleeves and pants — especially during dawn or dusk and when entering shady areas where mosquitos are most likely to be.
Medical providers are reminded to consider West Nile viral disease in patients presenting with the following symptoms throughout peak mosquito season (July 1 to October 31):
- Unexplained encephalitis,
- Viral meningitis, or
- Acute flaccid paralysis.
As well as in patients with symptoms compatible with West Nile fever which can include:
- Fever,
- Maculopapular rash,
- Headache,
- Fatigue,
- Weakness,
- Joint and muscle pain,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting, and
- Diarrhea.
Medical providers are asked to report all cases of West Nile virus to the Department of Health.
As of today, there have been no human cases reported in the City of Stamford this year.