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GREENWICH, Conn. — A pool of mosquitoes collected in the Mianus River is the second batch to test positive for West Nile virus in Greenwich, the town’s Health Department announced Monday.
The test has forced the town to restrict hours temporarily in some Greenwich parks.
West Nile virus has sickened two Greenwich residents — both in their 60s and 70s — this summer, sending one to the hospital. Neighboring Stamford has had three human cases of West Nile virus, with the latest also being announced Monday.
“With the third case in Stamford and continued positive mosquito pools in both Greenwich and Stamford, there remains a very high risk to human health for (West Nile virus) infection,” said Caroline C. Baisley, Greenwich’s health director.
The most recent mosquitoes to test positive in Greenwich were taken from the Mianus River near Cognewaugh Road on Sept. 5. The first positive test was in the Riverside/Old Greenwich area.
The town is urging parks, playgrounds, golf courses and other public gathering places in Riverside/Old Greenwich and the greater North Mianus area to close a half-hour before sunset and not open until a half-hour after sunrise.
Restaurants also should close outdoor dining areas a half-hour before dusk, the town recommends.
The first frost will eliminate the risk of West Nile virus, Baisley said.
Comments (1)
Do these villainous creatures refuel in-flight? I mean that's a long journey from the West Nile basin to Old Greenwich!