Norwalk health staff report measles surge nationally, slight COVID wastewater rise and West Nile mosquitoes nearby

Staff member Brian Weeks told the Norwalk Board of Health on July 22 that overall respiratory virus activity in Connecticut remains low but officials are watching a slight upward trend in COVID-19 wastewater signals, a national rise in measles cases and detections of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in nearby towns.

Weeks opened the epidemiology update by saying, “Overall, respiratory illness activity is very low, which is great to see.” He described emergency department visits for COVID-19, influenza and RSV as low, then added that wastewater monitoring for SARS‑CoV‑2 is showing a “slowly uptrending” signal that warrants continued attention.

The update emphasized a national increase in measles cases. “For 2025, so far, nationally speaking, we—re at 1,309 cases, which has now exceeded even 2019,” Weeks said. He noted the figure places 2025 among the highest recent years and reminded the board that the measles vaccine (MMR) requires two doses and is about 97–98 percent effective when the series is complete. Weeks directed residents to the health department—s measles guidance (Norwalk Health Department) for more information and vaccine resources.

Weeks also reported vector surveillance results from the state showing West Nile virus–positive mosquitoes in Stamford, Bridgeport and Easton, with Bridgeport recording six positive mosquitoes; there were no human cases reported in the state surveillance he cited. He said the detections make Lower Fairfield County an area of increased risk and urged prevention measures, including use of EPA‑registered repellents (for example, DEET or oil of lemon eucalyptus), wearing long sleeves and pants, draining standing water and checking the department—s prevention videos in English and Spanish.

Tying the update to weather, Weeks said Norwalk is monitoring extreme heat and drought conditions using regional tools that use the Bridgeport forecast as the local proxy. He said current heat risk for Fairfield County was minor but that forecasts showed a spike later in the week, with temperatures around 96 degrees Fahrenheit on Friday. Drought monitoring showed the Lower Fairfield area as “abnormally dry” though not yet in drought conditions.

The board discussed prevention and outreach. Board member Frank Ehrlich asked whether swimming pools contribute to mosquito risk; Weeks said properly maintained, chlorinated pools are unlikely breeding sites but neglected or abandoned pools can become standing‑water sources. Weeks stressed that bird–mosquito transmission (Culex pipiens feeding on birds) and standing water are key drivers of West Nile activity.

There were no formal actions taken during the epidemiology update; the presentation was a staff briefing and the board discussed possible outreach steps.

Local health officials said they will continue monitoring wastewater, case reports and vector surveillance and will encourage vaccination, mosquito precautions and heat‑safety behavior as conditions warrant.