Middlesex County, Conn. — Connecticut health officials are warning residents to remain cautious around mosquitoes after the state confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus this season.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health said Thursday that the case involves a man in his 30s who lives in Middlesex County. He became sick during the first week of August and was hospitalized as a result of the infection.
Laboratory testing later confirmed that he had contracted West Nile virus.
The man has since recovered, according to the Department of Public Health.
While the case is the first human infection reported by the state this season, officials say it comes at a time when mosquito activity remains high across Connecticut.
West Nile Virus Detected in 34 Connecticut Towns
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has detected West Nile virus in mosquito pools collected in 34 towns across the state during the 2026 season.
The first positive mosquito pool of the year was collected in Milford on June 29, marking the beginning of this season’s confirmed mosquito activity involving the virus.
State health officials say the number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus has now reached a peak.
“We are at a peak for the number of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile Virus, and these positive tests are occurring in communities throughout our state,” Connecticut DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said.
The widespread detection means residents should not assume the danger has disappeared simply because summer is coming to an end.
Officials Warn Risk Will Continue Into Fall
According to DPH, the risk of West Nile virus infection is expected to continue into early fall, with mosquito activity generally declining in October.
Juthani urged residents to continue taking precautions even as temperatures begin to change.
“As summer winds down and fall begins, many Connecticut residents may think that the risks from mosquitoes have passed, but this is the time to prevent mosquito bites, which continues to be the best way to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection,” she said.
The warning comes after Connecticut recorded six human West Nile virus infections in 2025.
The virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since 1999, making mosquito precautions an important part of late-summer and early-fall health guidance.
What Are the Symptoms of West Nile Virus?
Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms, according to state health officials.
However, about one in five infected people develop West Nile fever. Symptoms can include fever, body aches, joint pain, headaches and a rash.
A much smaller percentage of infected people can develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. DPH estimates that about one in 150 infected people develop serious disease.
People over age 60 face the highest risk of severe illness, making mosquito protection especially important for older adults.
The newly confirmed Connecticut patient required hospitalization but has since recovered.
Residents Urged to Prevent Mosquito Bites
With mosquito activity expected to remain elevated into early fall, health officials are encouraging Connecticut residents to take simple precautions.
Residents should use insect repellent when spending time outdoors and consider wearing clothing that helps limit exposed skin.
Officials also recommend eliminating standing water around homes, where mosquitoes can lay eggs and breed.
Items such as buckets, containers and other objects that collect rainwater can provide breeding sites if they are left unattended.
As West Nile virus continues circulating among mosquitoes across Connecticut, health officials say residents should remain vigilant through the end of mosquito season.
Have you noticed more mosquitoes around your area this summer? Share your experience in the comments and let us know how you’re protecting your family from mosquito bites.