By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
Local health departments were recently informed about the second human case of West Nile virus identified in Connecticut this season. The infected person was a resident of Hartford County. They became ill during the third week of August with West Nile meningoencephalitis and were hospitalized.
“The identification of a Connecticut resident with West Nile virus associated illness requiring hospitalization emphasizes the potential seriousness of this infection,” said state Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani.
As per the DPH news release, West Nile virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since 1999 and was the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the US last year.
Although most people (eight out of 10) infected with West Nile do not develop symptoms, about one in five infected people develop West Nile fever, an illness which includes fever, body aches, joint pain, headache or a rash. Some serious complication of this illness lead to nervous system problems. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal. People over the age of 60 are at highest risk of serious illness.
Milford and Orange residents are strongly advised to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites.
Other mosquito-borne diseases include malaria, Zika virus, dengue and chikungunya virus. The Centers for Disease Control issued a health advisory on June 26 to notify clinicians and public health authorities about cases of autochthonous malaria in Florida and Texas. Eight cases of locally acquired mosquito-transmitted Plasmodium vivax malaria were reported to CDC from state health departments in those states. Malaria is common in other parts of the world, and most cases in the US are acquired overseas, so it was concerning that local mosquitoes might be spreading it.
Preventing mosquito bites and controlling mosquitoes at home can prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.
Here are some tips from the CDC for reducing mosquitoes around the home:
– Eliminate standing water suitable for mosquitoes. Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires and tire swings.
– Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
– Clean clogged roof gutters.
– Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
– Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
– Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain them when necessary.
Here are some tips for avoiding mosquito bites:
– Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
– Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven and loose fitting.
– Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
– Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535 or 2-undecanone, and apply according to directions.
– When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20 percent for four hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than two months old.
– Ensure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair to avoid mosquito bites when indoors.
The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is a collaborative inter-agency effort responsible for monitoring mosquito populations and the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases. The Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 municipalities throughout the state. CAES begins mosquito trapping and testing in June and continues into October. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on their website.
The state’s public health code prohibits homeowners from creating or maintaining sources of mosquitoes on their property. Violators are subject to enforcement actions by their local health department.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for the town of Orange.