The first human case of West Nile virus in Connecticut this season was confirmed by the Department of Public Health (DPH) on Friday.

Officials said the infected person is a male resident of Fairfield County, in his 40s, who became ill in mid-August.

He was hospitalized and has since recovered. Laboratory testing confirmed the presence of WNV antibodies, according to DPH.

The DPH says it’s the first in the state this season, with mosquito surveillance data showing elevated risk across 34 towns.

The first positive mosquito sample was collected in Bridgeport on June 11.

“As we gather with family, friends, and neighbors outdoors for the remainder of this summer and into the fall, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is an important step in reducing the risk of West Nile virus infection,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D.

Philip Armstrong, Sc.D., medical entomologist at CAES, warned that mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most abundant in urban and suburban areas and are most active between dusk and dawn.

“We anticipate continued risk for human infection until mosquito activity subsides in October,” said Armstrong.

According to DPH, West Nile virus has been present in Connecticut every year since 1999 and remains the most common mosquito-borne illness in the United States. In 2024, the state reported 12 human cases.

To reduce mosquito populations and protect against bites, DPH recommends:

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