It's that time of year again -- West Nile Virus time, and once again infected mosquitos have been found in Hamden and surrounding areas.

Mosquitos trapped in nine towns -- Hamden, Danbury, Darien, Easton, Fairfield, Litchfield, New Canaan, Stratford, and Woodbridge -- from July 25 to Aug. 1 were found infected with the virus, according to the state Dept. of Public Health. In all, 15 towns have thus far this year had positive readings for the virus.

“As expected, we continue to find mosquitoes infected with West Nile virus in more locations in lower Fairfield County and are now seeing an expansion into other areas of Connecticut,” said Dr. Theodore G. Andreadis, Chief Medical Entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “Over the next few weeks and into early fall, we expect to see further build-up of West Nile virus with increased risk for human infection throughout the state, especially in densely populated communities.”

From the Quinnipiac Valley Health District:

Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus in two towns of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District -- Hamden and Woodbridge. With this finding, you can assume that there are disease-carrying mosquitoes around the district area.

The majority of people exposed to the West Nile virus do not become ill. For most of those who do become ill, a mild illness occurs, which may include fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting or a skin rash. Less frequently, people develop severe illness of the nervous system that can also include neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness and paralysis.

Persons older than 50 years of age, transplant recipients and persons in poor health are more likely than younger persons to suffer more severe health symptoms and consequences if they become infected with West Nile virus.

West Nile Virus illness is completely preventable. Using Personal Protective Measures (PPM) until the cold weather arrives will reduce your chances of contracting West Nile.

• Use of an insect repellent that contains DEET or Picaridin is the     number one action you can take. Follow all directions for application. Wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or damaged skin, to the hands of children or on infants less than two months old. Do not spray repellent in an enclosed area or near food. Do not allow young children to self-apply repellents. Note: most adverse reactions from insect repellents come from misuse of the product!

• Avoid outdoor activities at dawn and at dusk when most mosquitoes are most active. When outdoors, wear long sleeves and long pants when you can along with repellents. Use mosquito netting on baby carriages and in tents if camping.

• Be sure doors and windows screens are tight fitting and in good repair.

• Reduce mosquito populations around your home. Eliminate standing water sources, which are defined as anything that can hold water, from a small dish to a large puddle. Put drain holes in recycling containers. Repair leaky pipes and outdoor dripping faucets. Clean clogged gutters.

For more information on West Nile Virus, repellent use and “pest” protection, District residents (Bethany, Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 248-4528 or request on line (contact us) www.qvhd.org.