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Ledge Light Health District begins a proactive campaign to reduce the likelihood of West Nile Virus transmission

In response to Governor Rell's directive for public health officials to intensify measures to safeguard the public from mosquito-borne West Nile Virus, especially along shoreline communities, Ledge Light Health District has begun a proactive campaign to reduce the likelihood of West Nile Virus transmission.

Although no reports of West Nile infection have been reported in Southeastern Connecticut, Ledge Light Health District has purchased a supply of larvacide briquettes that can be used to treat standing water on private property. This larvacide prevents mosquitoes from developing into adults. Residents of municipalities served by Ledge Light Health District may request treatment of standing water on their property by calling Felix Prokop III at 447-2060, extension 109. A District Sanitarian will visit your property and apply the larvacide to the area of standing water. The treatment will last approximately 30 days.

"The treatment of stagnant water with larvacide, coupled with the additional protective measures listed below, will significantly reduce the potential for West Nile Virus transmission." said Sam Crowley, Director of Health for Ledge Light Health District.

If residents have any additional questions or concerns, they may contact a District Sanitarian at 860-448-4882 or visit one of the websites listed below.

Precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:

  • Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
  • Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
  • Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
  • Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also effective for brief periods of exposure.
  • When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months.

Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:

  • Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, tire swings.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
  • Clean clogged roof gutters.
  • Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
  • Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
  • Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and when not in use, pool covers.
  • Use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.

Additional resources for information on West Nile virus and mosquito management:

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