Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
Bridgeport, CT
For Immediate Release
July 19, 2018
For More information:
Dalmarys Matos (203) 576-7201
Dalmarys.matos@bridgeportct.gov
Press Release
Mayor Ganim, Bridgeport Department of Health and Social Services to Re-launch “Fight the Bite!”
Bridgeport Mosquitoes Test Positive for West Nile Virus
Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim and The Bridgeport Department of Health & Social Services will relaunch the “Fight the Bite!” health initiative to raise awareness to prevent Zika and West Nile Virus on Monday, July 23, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. at a location TBD. The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station recently caught mosquitoes in Bridgeport that tested positive for West Nile Virus.
“It is important, as a Health Department, that we continue to educate and protect Bridgeport residents. Fight the Bite! teaches prevention measures and ways to eliminate and reduce mosquito breeding grounds in your own yard that are caused by standing water. We will also continue monitoring the breeding surveillance areas of mosquitoes throughout the City of Bridgeport,” said Maritza Bond, Director of Health & Social Services.
Bridgeport Environmental Services Department contracted with Clarke, a public health company, to treat the city street drains with Natular® XRT, a high-performance larvicide made from organic components that target mosquito larvae. Nearly 3,000 catch basins have been treated citywide to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like the West Nile and Zika viruses.
To Reduce Mosquito Activity Around Your Home
- Tip over any containers that can collect water around your home.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used, including pool covers.
- Clear clogged gutters.
- Drill holes in bottom of recycling containers.
- For commercial properties with flat roofs, check for standing water to reduce mosquito-breeding sites.
To Prevent Mosquito Bites
- Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Be sure doors and windows screens are tight fighting and in good repair.
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are most 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 using DEET-containing mosquito repellent, as directed, when outdoors.
Symptoms of West Nile Virus Disease
Most people who are infected with West Nile Virus and become ill will have a mild illness that may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and vomiting or skin rash. Rarely, people develop a severe form of the illness that can include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis. Older adults are more likely to have severe health consequences if they become infected with West Nile Virus. https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/symptoms/index.html
For more information on mosquito control, please visit the City of Bridgeport’s website at http://www.bridgeportct.gov/fightthebite
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