West Nile Virus has been identified in mosquitoes trapped in Westport, and Aspetuck Health District Director Mark A.R. Cooper said other towns in the area have already found mosquitos carrying the virus in the past few weeks.

“There is no reason to panic,” said Mr. Cooper, “but precautions should be exercised to avoid being bitten by mosquitos.”

Current warm and wet weather conditions are favorable for breeding mosquitoes. The first frost, which ends the mosquito season, is some time away, so the concern is that the number of infected mosquitoes will continue to rise, as would the potential for increased human exposure.

The health district reports that mosquitoes deposit eggs in any pool of water they can find “and will be eagerly looking for blood to feed on” when they mature and begin to fly. The mosquitoes testing positive locally were Culex pipens, which predominately feed on birds, but will feed on humans given the opportunity.

Mr. Cooper said no human cases of West Nile Virus have yet been identified in Connecticut.

Still, the health district recommends precautions:

• Eliminate objects outdoors that can hold water and become a breeding place for mosquitoes.
• Clean house gutters that may be retaining water.
• Empty wading pools and bird baths every few days.
• Chlorinate swimming pools regularly.
• Make sure covers on grills, boats, pools, and other equipment do not collect water.
• Make sure door and window screens fit tightly and are in good repair.

To avoid mosquito bites when outdoors:

• Be particularly careful at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
• Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone. Apply according to directions.
• When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors. For example, six percent lasts approximately two hours; 20 percent lasts four hours. Wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, to the hands of children, or to infants less than two months old.

More information about West Nile Virus can be found at the Aspetuck Health District’s website and at the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.