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The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program has announced that mosquitoes found here, near the Eastern Greenwich Civic Center, have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
“West Nile is a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. They pick it up from infected birds. Any bird can carry it, it is not transferred between humans. It has to be by the bite of an infected mosquito,” said Rob Farfaglia.
The mosquitoes were trapped on August 5 and they are the first to test positive for the disease in Greenwich this year. So far, there are no human cases of the virus in CT, but environmental officials still urge residents to be careful.
“Standing water should be eliminated because mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. If you have buckets of water, I wouldn’t let them stand more than a few days,” said Farfaglia.
Officials also recommend wearing long pants and shirts when going outside into wooded areas.
“Dusk and dawn are the worst time for mosquitoes. During the day, not that you can’t get bitten, but they are less active. They are more or less hiding in vegetation,” said Farfaglia.
The Town also takes preventative steps when it comes to mosquitoes.
“They larvicide all the public catch basins. It generally lasts form June to November,” said Farfaglia.
West Nile Virus was also found in mosquitoes in local towns such as Darien, Stamford, and Guilford. For more information, visit the Department of Health section on the Town’s website- www.greenwichct.org.
