Mosquitoes in Voluntown, North Stonington, and Stonington Test Positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

Uncas Health District and Ledge Light Health District announced today that mosquitoes trapped in Voluntown, North Stonington and Stonington have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Some of the mosquito traps contained mosquito species that are known to bite humans.

EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Historically, the virus has been found in trapped mosquitoes in Connecticut, but only one person has died from EEE.

All residents of Voluntown, North Stonington and Stonington are advised to avoid outdoor activities from one hour beforeto one hour after dawn and dusk.  

Additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:

• 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 if 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.

Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:

• 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 birdbaths 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 EEE and mosquito management can be found at:
http://www.ct.gov/mosquito/site/default.asp