Potentially Lethal Mosquitoes Trapped In Farmington: Officials

FARMINGTON, CT — A mosquito with a potentially lethal virus has been found in Farmington, prompting local health officials to issue an alert urging folks to avoid mosquito bites.

The Farmington Valley Health District said Friday that mosquitoes trapped in Farmington have tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis, a rare, but potentially deadly, disease that can kill healthy humans.

The good news, however, according to the health department, is the disease is rare, but it has been found in Connecticut mosquitoes before.

"EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes," wrote the health department in a statement.

" Historically, the virus has been found in trapped mosquitoes in Connecticut, but there are no human cases reported at this time."

Based in Canton, the Farmington Valley Health District serves the towns of Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, East Granby, Farmington, Granby, Hartland, New Hartford, and Simsbury.

Avon officials reposted the news release and urged Avon residents to abide by the same precautions as Farmington and other towns.

Last month, a mosquito testing positive for West Nile Virus was found in Farmington.

But while West Nile usually causes zero to mild symptoms in most (representing a danger to the elderly, extremely young, and infirm), EEE kills about a third of those who get sick regardless of a person's health.

According to the State of New Hampshire, a person in New Hampshire died last month after testing positive for EEE.

The Farmington Valley Health District said the precautions to combat EEE are the same as WNV, with folks urged to minimize outdoor time at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Also, people are being asked to wear long pants, and socks and cover up as much skin as possible, while using bug repellent.

People are also urged to reduce mosquitoes around their homes, namely, by eliminating as much standing water around the house as possible.

While EEE can be lethal, the State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program says many people can test positive for EEE and not become ill.

For those who do, however, symptoms d "can range from mild fever and headache to coma," according to the State of Connecticut.

"Other symptoms include high fever, fatigue, muscle aches, neck stiffness, tremors, or confusion. Severe cases include inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) which can lead to coma, convulsions, and death," wrote the state.

For the full Farmington Valley Health District alert, click on this link.

For more information on EEE and its symptoms from the State of Connecticut, click on this link.

From Aug. 27: 'Disease-Infected Bloodsucking Bugs Found In Farmington'