West Nile Virus Found In Five More Connecticut Towns

HARTFORD—State officials say mosquitoes trapped in five more Connecticut communities have tested positive for the West Nile virus.

The state Mosquito Management Program says mosquitoes trapped in Bethel, Bridgeport, Meriden, Norwalk and Orange from July 22 to 27 have tested positive. The disease had previously been identified in Stamford and West Haven as early as mid-June.

There have been no confirmed human cases of potentially fatal West Nile virus infection in Connecticut this year.

But Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin is urging residents to take proper precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

West Nile virus is spread by mosquitoes that often pick up the virus from birds they bite. Symptoms include neck stiffness, disorientation and, in very severe cases, coma and paralysis.