EEE, West Nile Virus-Infected Mosquitoes Found In Stonington

STONINGTON, CT — Mosquitoes collected in Stonington on Sept. 11 tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus, according to the Ledge Light Health District.

Mosquitoes collected in Ledyard on Sept. 13 also tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Previously, mosquitoes collected in Voluntown also tested positive for EEE on Sept. 5.

EEE is a rare but serious illness in humans. Four to eight cases are reported in a typical year in the U.S. EEE is the most severe mosquito-transmitted disease in the U.S., with approximately 40 percent mortality and neurological impairment in most survivors.

"In all cases, the positive mosquito was culiseta melanura, which is known to primarily bite birds but has been known to bite mammals," according to the health district. "Positive EE and WNV mosquitoes are normally expected during the summer months, and their presence serves as a reminder for community members to take standard precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes."

Previously this summer, mosquitoes from North Stonington on Aug. 21, Waterford on Aug. 23, and Lyme on Sept. 6 tested positive for West Nile Virus.

West Nile Virus is the most common mosquito-borne viral disease in the United States. Since 2000, there have been 181 human cases of West Nile virus, including four fatalities, among Connecticut residents. There have been two cases reported in the state this year.

Health officials recommended taking the following precautions to avoid mosquito bites:

• Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
• Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
• While outdoors, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
• Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also effective for brief periods of exposure.
• When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months.

Health officials also recommended the following measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home:

• Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
• Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
• Clean clogged roof gutters.
• Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
• Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and cover pools when not in use.
• Use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.

Additional resources for information on West Nile virus and mosquito management can be found at http://www.ct.gov/mosquito/site/default.asp

If you need assistance or advice treating standing water on your property, a member of the health district's Environmental Health staff can help. An environmental technician will visit your property and provide education on how to prevent and eliminate mosquitoes. Contact Patti Myers at (860) 434-1605 ext. 214 for more information.

See related: EEE-Infected Mosquitoes Detected In New London County Town