Residents are advised to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites

HARTFORD, Conn—The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that a Connecticut resident has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection. This is the first human case of WNV-associated illness identified in Connecticut this season. Last year, seven cases of WNV infection were reported in the state. 

The female is a resident of New Haven County and is between 60–69 years of age. She became ill during the first week of August with WNV infection and has since recovered. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to WNV.

“The first report of a human case of WNV this season along with the ongoing detection of WNV-infected and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)-infected mosquitoes in Connecticut and in neighboring states makes this an important time for health care providers to maintain a high index of suspicion for WNV and EEE,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Symptoms include fever, headache, myalgia, arthralgia, rash, or gastrointestinal symptoms for non-neuroinvasive disease while neuroinvasive signs and symptoms can include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and decreased consciousness.”

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