West Nile Virus (WNV) Surveillance

The Connecticut Department of Public Health will continue to monitor the occurrence of mosquito-borne viruses this year. However, the emphasis will be on evaluating mosquito trapping and testing results. Since it has been established that West Nile Virus does affect birds in the area, it is no longer necessary to report dead bird sightings or to collect dead birds for sampling.

From June through October, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station will trap and collect mosquitoes for testing from 91 sites around the state. Two of those sites are in Newington and Wethersfield. The results of the mosquito testing will be used to determine the health risk to humans in the state. Residents who find a dead bird on their property should dispose of the bird by placing it in a double plastic bag, sealing the bag, and depositing the bag in the garbage. Care should be taken not to touch the bird with the hands, and hands should be washed with soap and warm water immediately afterward.

Questions or concerns?

Contact the Infectious Disease Division of the Connecticut Department of Public health at 860-509-7994 or via email at randall.nelson@po.state.ct.us. Residents of Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield also may contact the Central Connecticut Health District at 860-721-2822.