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Mosquito in Connecticut Tests Positive For EEE For First Time This Season

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A mosquito trapped in Connecticut has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis for the first time this season.

The mosquito was trapped at Stonington High School on August 3, according to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. It is a disease that can cause neurological disease and an infection of the brain, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. It can be fatal.

There were also seven mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile Virus in the latest round of testing. That brings the number to 28 so far this season.

The Ledge Light Health District released the following tips to keep safe:

Precautions to Avoid Mosquito Bites

  • Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
  • While outdoors for long periods of time, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors and to protect small babies when outdoors.
  • Consider the use of mosquito repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as ones containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, IR3535, or 2-undecanone, and apply according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.
  • 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.
  • Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Measures to Reduce Mosquitoes Around the Home

  • Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings, clogged gutters.
  • Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
  • 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.

Connecticut EEE Response Plan

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