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QVHD URGES RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES UNTIL SUSTAINED HARD FROST

PRESS RELEASE from QVHD:

September 13, 2019

QVHD URGES RESIDENTS TO CONTINUE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES UNTIL SUSTAINED HARD FROST*

In August, the Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD) received confirmation and shared with residents that the North Haven Mosquito Trapping Surveillance Site, maintained by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) had a mosquito pool test positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). The mosquito surveillance site is located at Quinnipiac River Park in North Haven. The CAES routinely monitors this mosquito trapping site between June and October.

Health District residents are urged to continue the below methods to avoiding mosquito bites until the first sustained hard frost. A sustained hard frost* is overnight temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 hours and the collapse of decorative yard plants.

One of the most effective ways to avoid WNV is to prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent. Choosing an EPA-registered repellent ensures the EPA has evaluated the product for effectiveness. Always follow the product label instructions and reapply insect repellent as directed. Visit the EPA website to learn more about which repellent is right for you and your family: https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents

Another effective way to avoid WNV is to control mosquitoes outside and inside your home. Be sure to follow these tips from the CDC:

• Remove standing water where mosquitoes could lay eggs

• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water like tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpot saucers, or trash containers. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.

• Tightly cover water storage containers (buckets, rain barrels) so that mosquitoes cannot get inside to lay eggs.

• For containers without lids, use wire mesh with holes smaller than an adult mosquito.

• Use larvicides to treat large containers of water that will not be used for drinking and cannot be covered or dumped out.

• Install or repair and use window and door screens. Do not leave doors propped open.

• Use air conditioning when possible.

For questions about WNV and humans, you can contact Quinnipiack Valley Health District, 203- 248-4528, M-F: 8:30am- 4:30pm.

Sources:

Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, https://www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention/index.html

Quinnipiack Valley Health District

A Regional Health Department Serving Bethany, Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge, CT

1151 Hartford Turnpike . North Haven . CT . 06473 . tel (203) 248-4528 . fax (203) 248-6671 . www.qvhd.org

Mission Statement

North Haven High School provides a comprehensive program of studies, activities, and a safe and supportive environment that will encourage students to reach their intellectual, social, physical, and creative potential. As a result of their experience in the North Haven Public Schools, every student will acquire the skills necessary to meet the demands of the 21st century.

The North Haven Department of Athletics strives for excellence by providing opportunities to student-athletes to participate in programs that are designed to develop meaningful standards of athletic performance, leadership, scholarship, community service and appropriate conduct within the educational and social environments of North Haven High School.