Westport Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus

Mosquitoes in Westport have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to Mark Cooper, director of the Westport-Weston Health District.

Cooper said this discovery was not surprising, as nearby towns -- including Fairfield -- have also found infected mosquitoes. It happens every year around this time, he added.

No Westporters have reported contracting West Nile Virus at this point, but Cooper advises all residents to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites. Those precautions include:

• Eliminate any object outside that can hold water and become a breeding place for mosquitoes;
• Clean house gutters that may be retaining water;
• Empty wading pools and birdbaths every few days;
• Chlorinate swimming pools regularly;
• Make sure covers are on grills, boats, pools, and other outside equipment do not collect water;
• Wear clothing that minimizes exposed skin;
• Use mosquito repellents as directed by their labels.

Most people infected with West Nile Virus have no symptoms or experience mild illness, like a fever and a headache, before fully recovering. For some -- especially the elderly -- West Nile Virus can affect the central nervous system and can result in permanent neurological damage or death.

Symptoms usually occur five to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. They range from a slight fever, headache, swollen nodes, rash, and conjunctivitis (eye irritation) to a severe headache, disorientation, muscle weakness, stiff neck, high fever, coma, or death.

Read more about West Nile Virus on the Westport-Weston Health District website.