Picard joins Rell to announce state efforts to combat West Nile virus
Mayor John M. Picard joined Gov. M. Jodi Rell and State Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robert Galvin and State Environmental Protection Commissioner Gina McCarthy Thursday (8-31-06) to announce additional state efforts to combat the virus as the sixth case of the mosquito-borne illness has been confirmed in Connecticut.
Rell said tests have confirmed that a 79-year-old city man has contracted the virus and is expected to recover. The case follows five others, including an elderly New Haven woman who died of complications last week, that have already been confirmed in the state.
“West Nile virus is a greater cause for concern this year than it has been in the recent past,” said Rell, speaking to reporters from a microphone-laden lectern in front of the Savin Rock gazebo. “We are finding that higher numbers of mosquitoes are carrying this virus, and now six people in our state have already contracted this illness. All evidence points to the fact that sections of West Haven and New Haven are among the hot spots for West Nile virus.
“I have asked Mayor Picard and other municipal officials for their assessment of the situation and to discuss steps the state can take to support their efforts.”
Rell has authorized the state Department of Environmental Protection to buy additional larvicide supplies to help municipalities, especially along the shoreline, control mosquito populations.
Larvicide is contained in a type of nonspray tablet that’s used to kill larva in mosquito-breeding areas, including storm drains and areas of standing water.
McCarthy said the DEP will make supplies available to cities and towns that request it.
To date, West Nile-positive mosquitoes have been identified in 17 municipalities statewide, including East Haven and Milford.
On Tuesday, the DEP in conjunction with the city Health Department will start applying a “barrier treatment” insecticide to vegetation along a 2.5-mile stretch of West Haven’s side of the West River from Derby to Kimberly avenues. Throughout the summer, the city has been applying larvicide in catch basins and other areas.
Warning signs of West Nile include a fever, headache, skin rash, body aches, nausea or vomiting.
Rell noted that August and September represent the peak time for transmission of the virus to people and urged everyone to take all precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
People older than 50 are more vulnerable to the virus than younger men and women, Galvin said.
Precautions include minimizing time outdoors at dusk and dawn, wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and using mosquito repellent containing DEET.
WH West Nile Virus Info - PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT
Due to the occurrence of mosquito-borne illness in West Haven the public
is advised to take these personal precautions:
* Minimize time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.
* Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
* Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors when mosquitoes are active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
* Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies when outdoors.
* Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.
* After returning indoors, wash any treated skin with soap and water.
* Don’t let stagnant water collect around your home. Dump out old tires, wheelbarrows, and wading pools. Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
For further information on mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, contact the state’s 24-hour Mosquito Information Line at 1-866-WNV-LINE or the Department of Environmental Protection’s website at http://dep.state.ct.us.
STATE OF CONNECTICUT
Mosquito Management Program
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The City of West Haven is encouraging members of this list to forward this e-mail as part of our public information campaign.
The following part of the alert answers my questions about what the City is doing to combat West Nile Virus:
On Tuesday, the DEP in conjunction with the city Health Department will start applying a “barrier treatment” insecticide to vegetation along a 2.5-mile stretch of West Haven’s side of the West River from Derby to Kimberly avenues. Throughout the summer, the city has been applying larvicide in catch basins and other areas.Thank you!
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