Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
Bridgeport, CT
Immediate Release
July 23, 2017
For More Information:
Dalmarys Matos (203)576-7201
dalmarys.matos@Bridgeportct.gov
Press Release
Mayor Ganim, Bridgeport Department of Health & Social Services Re-Launch “Fight the Bite!”
Health Initiative Raises Awareness to Prevent Zika and West Nile Virus
Bridgeport, CT –Mayor Ganim and Bridgeport Health Director Maritza Bond today are doing their part to help educate and prevent against Zika and West Nile Virus with the re-launching of the ‘Fight the Bite’ campaign. Created in 2017, the “Fight the Bite!” health initiative provides resources and education materials to aid with identifying risk factors associated with mosquito breeding.
Recently, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station caught a sample of mosquitoes in Bridgeport that tested positive for West Nile Virus. To ensure that all mosquito breeding mechanisms are reduced or eliminated around our homes, informational door hangers will be disseminated throughout various neighborhoods by the health department staff and city volunteer groups.
Residents will also receive insect repellent wipes at Bridgeport Health Department offices and local events. Fans and followers of the City of Bridgeport on Facebook and Twitter will be encouraged to share the safety messages on social media hashtagging ‘Fight the Bite’ to spread the word. Bridgeport Environmental Services Department is doing their part by treating high risk areas in Bridgeport that could serve as mosquito breeding grounds such as catch basins.
For more information to reduce your risk and protect your family against mosquito-borne diseases, residents are encouraged to go to Bridgeportct.gov/FightTheBite.
###