The West Nile virus, a threat in Connecticut each summer since 1999, has been found in eight towns, most recently in East Haven and Newington. A human infected with the virus often experiences generic symptoms such as body aches, fever and vomiting.

“In most cases,” Dr. Virginia Bieluch, an infectious disease specialist at The Hospital of Central Connecticut, told the New Britain Herald, “a doctor will terat you symptomatically for a viral illness because there are just too many viruses out there. It’s hard to pinpoint which one it is.”

A West Nile diagnosis is only possible with more severe symptoms, such as encephalitis (brain swelling) and meningitis. Although most people infected with West Nile Virus have either mild or no symptoms, people over 50 are more vulnerable to serious illness. Last year, the Connecticut Department of Public Health reported 10 confirmed human cases — eight in Fairfield County and two in New Haven. Of the 10, eight were 50 or older.

“It’s a minority of people,” said Dr. Bieuluch, “and most recover completely over time.”

From 2000 to 2015, the state Department of Health has reported 130 cases and three deaths. The state, since 2000, has monitored West Nile virus with 91 mosquito trap sites in 73 towns.

West Nile is a relatively benign threat: If bitten by an infected mosquito, your  chances of developing an illness are less than 1 in 100. To be ultra-safe, the East Shore District Health Department (serving Branford, East Haven and North Branford) recommends these precautions during the August-September West Nile season in Connecticut:

  • Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn.
  • Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeve shirt when and where mosquitoes are most active.
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping and to protect small babies when outdoors.
  • Consider mosquito repellent containing DEET when outdoors.
  • Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, tire swings.
  • Drill holes in bottoms of recycling containers.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters.
  • Turn over plastic wading pools, wheelbarrows, etc.
  • Change water in bird baths weekly.
  • Clean and chlorinate unused swimming pools, including pool covers.
  • Use landscaping to eliminate standing water on your property.

Always address concerns with your doctor.  If you need to find a physician, please visit myhhcdocs.org or call 1.855.HHC.HERE (1.855.442.4373).