State begins testing for West Nile, other viruses

Here’s the latest buzz — the state has begun its mosquito trapping and testing program for the season.

The arthropod-snagging operation is coordinated by The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and started Monday.

Mosquitoes will be tested for the presence of West Nile virus, eastern equine encephalitis and other viruses that can cause illness in humans.

The first results will be available next week.

“The detection of West Nile virus in mosquitoes occurs each summer, but reduction of mosquito breeding habitats can greatly lessen the potential for West Nile virus to become a significant human health threat,” said Dr. Theodore Andreadis, director of CAES in a news release. “We strongly encourage homeowners and

communities to eliminate standing water available for mosquito breeding around the home, ensure that door and window screens are tightfitting and in good repair, and consider the use of mosquito repellent, especially between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”

West Nile Virus — considered the main mosquito scourge of the season — came to Connecticut in 1999. Between 2000 and 2017, there have been 134 human cases of West Nile, including three fatalities.

Last season, the state trapped and tested nearly 200,000 mosquitoes and identified West Nile-positive mosquitoes at trap sites in 30 towns in six counties (Fairfield, Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven, New London, and Windham). Three people were reported with West Nile-associated illnesses; they were residents of Stamford and New Haven.

While West Nile infections are usually not fatal, patients with meningitis or encephalitis may suffer long lasting symptoms of the nervous system.

In 2017, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus was identified in six mosquito pools in three towns in New London and Windham counties. No human or domestic animal infections were reported.

The Connecticut Agricultural Extension Station maintains a network of 91 mosquito-trapping stations in 72 municipalities throughout the state.

Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the extension station website at www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting.

Contributed photo A trap used in mosquito testing.