Bridgeport, CT – City of Bridgeport Department of Public Health reports that evidence of West Nile Virus was uncovered in a sample of mosquitos collected by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment at the Beardsley Zoo.   In response, Director of Heath Ebony Jackson-Shaheed reminds residents to participate in ‘Fight the Bite;” a health initiative which provides resources and educational materials to inform residents of risk factors associated with mosquito breeding and to prevent cases of mosquito-borne illness in the City of Bridgeport.  

West Nile Virus is commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito and may cause West Nile Fever which includes symptoms such as body aches, joint pains, and rashes. Resident can receive information along with “Fight the Bite” insect repellant wipes at local events. In addition, to prevent mosquito bites, residents are reminded to: 

• Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active

• 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 

• Consider using DEET-containing mosquito repellent, as directed, when outdoors

Follow the City of Bridgeport on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to receive and share additional safety messages to encourage community-wide participation in “Fight the Bite.” City of Bridgeport Department of Environmental Health will continue to treat high risk areas in Bridgeport, such as catch basins, to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.  

For more information on how to protect against and prevent mosquito-borne diseases, visit BridgeportCT.gov/FightTheBite