ADVISES RESIDENTS TO “FIGHT THE BITE!”
from the office of Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
(Aug. 12, 2020) — Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim, Health Director Lisa Morrissey joined to promote “Fight the Bite!,” a seasonal City health initiative which provides resources and educational materials to help residents identify preventive measures and risk factors associated with mosquito and tick-borne illnesses; such as Zika, West Nile Virus, and Lyme disease.
Mayor Ganim stated, “One of our annual messages, Fight the Bite helps to make sure residents and their pets remain safe from insect bites. If you’ve been in tall grass or near still water, check yourself and protect against the diseases that mosquitoes and ticks are known to sometimes carry.”
Director Morrissey stated, “Recently, the State confirmed that we had our first mosquito test positive in Bridgeport for West Nile virus. While there have been no confirmed human cases, this is the perfect time to remind residents about steps they can take to minimize risks that are associated with mosquito breeding.”
The relaunch of “Fight the Bite!” includes the distribution of informational door hangers and all-natural insect repellant wipes throughout Bridgeport neighborhoods which will help to ensure that all mosquito breeding mechanisms are reduced or eliminated in the City of Bridgeport.
Tips include the placement of lemon grass, citronella, and marigold plants to effectively repel mosquitoes in or around homes. Bridgeport residents are also reminded to:
- Eliminate standing water; a very small amount of water is enough to serve as a mosquito breeding ground
- Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time; tightly woven, light colored materials will repel mosquitoes and keep them away from skin
- Minimize time spent outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Additional efforts in City of Bridgeport to reduce mosquito activity include three mosquito traps maintained by Agricultural Experiment Station.
For more information to reduce your risk and protect your family against mosquito and tick-borne diseases, residents are encouraged to visit http://bridgeportct.gov/FightTheBite
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Video: https://www.facebook.com/joeganim/posts/1592592770925921