DEEP - UNCAS Health District

DEEP to Spray for Mosquitoes in Area of Pachaug State Forest

August 28, 2024 by Uncas Health District

While there have been no human cases of EEE in Connecticut so far this season, detections of EEE-carrying mosquitoes in this area remain high.

While there have been no cases of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) in humans in Connecticut so far this season, the risk level for EEE in the eastern part of the state remains elevated. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Mosquito Management Program will conduct insecticide spraying on the evening of Thursday, August 29 (weather permitting) in an area of eastern Connecticut where mammal-biting mosquitoes carrying EEE have been consistently detected. This step is being taken out of an abundance of caution to minimize the potential for spread of the virus to humans.

The Mosquito Management Program will spray for mosquitoes in the Mt. Misery area of Pachaug State Forest on the evening of August 29. Entrances to the State Forest will close at 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 29, and the forest and nearby roads will be closed for the evening. They will reopen at 8:00 AM on Friday, August 30. Residential portions of these roads will still remain accessible to residents.

EEE has been detected in the following towns this year: Canterbury, Ledyard, North Stonington, Sterling, and Voluntown. No human cases have been reported in Connecticut in 2024, but human cases have been reported in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, and New Hampshire (one death). A white-tailed deer died from EEE earlier in August in Lisbon, Connecticut.

“DEEP encourages residents to take appropriate precautions as we are still not through the mosquito season,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “With the presence of EEE in mosquitoes in eastern Connecticut and West Nile Virus in other areas of the state, it is very important that residents minimize time outdoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are prevalent and wear long sleeves and use insect repellent if out at any point during those times.”

“Mosquitoes are still active, and residents should continue to take measures to prevent mosquito bites, especially during warm evenings when mosquitoes are most active,” said Dr. Philip Armstrong, Medical Entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “There is continued risk for mosquito-borne diseases until the first hard freeze when mosquito activity ends.”

“Since there is no vaccine for EEE, protection from this virus depends on personal protective measures to decrease exposure to infected mosquitoes,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Symptoms from EEE include severe headache and neck stiffness which can result in nausea, vomiting, and dehydration. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.”

The insecticide the Mosquito Management Program will spray contains the active ingredients sumithrin and prallethrin. When applied at appropriate rates this product does not affect humans, pets or other non-target organisms. Campers have been notified of the spraying and have been advised to leave the area while spraying is conducted.

The following forest roads will close beginning at 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 29: DEP Trail 1, Gardner Road, Stone Hill Road, Trail 1, Lee Road, Lawrence Road, Trail 2, and Route 49 North entrance. Road gates in these areas will close during this time. Residential portions of these roads still will be accessible to residents. Visitors are advised to plan visits and activities accordingly to avoid the area while spraying is conducted. Campers have been advised to avoid the area until at least 10:00 PM Thursday night and will be permitted to return after 10:00 PM.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, residents should:

Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Consider the use of mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone when it is necessary to be outdoors.
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect infants when outdoors.

Residents also are encouraged to take steps at home to protect against mosquitoes, such as making sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair and not letting stagnant water collect around your home. Dump water out of old tires, wheelbarrows, and wading pools. More information on mosquito control around the home can be found on the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.

Connecticut Mosquito Management Program

The response to mosquito transmitted diseases in Connecticut is a collaborative inter-agency effort involving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), the Department of Public Health (DPH), the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Pathobiology at the University of Connecticut (UCONN). These agencies are responsible for monitoring mosquito populations and the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

For information on EEE, West Nile Virus, and other mosquito-borne diseases, what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, the latest mosquito test results, and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.

DEEP Announces Round 2 of eBike Incentive Program

August 29, 2024August 28, 2024 by Uncas Health District

The program seeks to improve Connecticut’s air quality and promote sustainable transportation.

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has announced the launch of Round 2 of the eBike Incentive Program, set to open for applications on September 17, 2024, at noon. This round introduces a new application process with a lottery system to select incentive recipients, ensuring a fair and accessible opportunity for all eligible applicants.

Key Dates and Application Process

The application window for Round 2 will be open for 14 days, from September 17, 2024, at noon to October 1, 2024, at 8 p.m. All Connecticut residents interested in participating must complete an electronic application on the eBike Incentive Program platform within this period.

Due to the overwhelming demand seen in Round 1, DEEP has implemented a lottery system for Round 2 to manage the allocation of incentives more equitably. Applicants will be sorted into three tiers based on eligibility criteria, with priority given to those in higher tiers:

Tier 1: Participants in a state or federal income qualifying program or individuals with an income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
Tier 2: Residents of an Environmental Justice (EJ) community or Distressed Municipality.
Tier 3: Applicants eligible for the Standard Voucher.

The selection process begins with Tier 1, awarding incentives to as many qualified applicants as funding allows. If funding remains, it progresses to Tier 2 and finally to Tier 3. If the number of applicants exceeds available funding, a lottery will determine recipients within each tier.

eBike Program Overview

The eBike Incentive Program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality in Connecticut by encouraging the use of eBikes as a cleaner transportation option. The program provides financial incentives through vouchers for purchasing eligible eBikes from participating retailers in Connecticut.

Incentives are available at two levels:

Standard Voucher: Up to $500 for eligible Connecticut residents, 18 years or older, to reduce the purchase price of an eligible eBike.
Voucher+: An additional $750 incentive (totaling $1,250) for those who meet specific criteria, such as participation in income-qualifying programs, having an income less than 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, or residing in an Environmental Justice community or Distressed Municipality.

Why eBikes Matter for Connecticut

Connecticut suffers from some of the worst air quality in the country, mainly along heavily traveled transportation corridors where mobile sources contribute significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Mobile sources account for 40% of Connecticut’s GHG emissions and 70% of nitrogen oxide emissions, which are precursors to ground-level ozone (smog). Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory issues like asthma, COPD, and other lung diseases.

By promoting eBikes, which are an environmentally friendly alternative to cars for short trips, the program aims to reduce vehicle miles traveled and help Connecticut achieve its air quality and climate change goals.

Funding and Incentives

The eBike Incentive Program is funded under the Connecticut Hydrogen and Electric Automobile Purchase Rebate (CHEAPR) Program. DEEP has budgeted $1.5 million for three years of eBike incentives. For Round 2, DEEP has allocated $750,000, which is expected to support approximately 600 Voucher+ applicants.

How to Apply and Next Steps

To participate in Round 2 of the eBike Incentive Program:

Sign Up: Subscribe to the CT eBike Program mailing list for updates.
Research Eligibility: Review the criteria for each tier and gather any necessary documentation.
Apply: Complete an electronic application on the eBike Incentive Program platform when the window opens on September 17, 2024.

After the application period closes on October 1, 2024, applicants will be notified if they have been selected to receive a voucher. Vouchers must be redeemed at a participating eBike retailer within 240 days of issuance.

Eligible eBikes and Manufacturers

DEEP’s Eligible eBike List includes over 40 models that meet safety and quality criteria. To qualify, eBikes must have a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) below $3,000, a one-year warranty on frame and components, and a UL 2849 or EN 15194 safety certification for battery and electrical components.

If you are a manufacturer interested in having your eBike added to the Eligible eBike List, please complete the eBike Eligibility Application and email it to the Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) at cheapr@energycenter.org.

Contact Information and Support

For more information about the program, including eligibility and required documents, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section on the eBike Program website. For additional assistance, contact the eBike Program Administrator, Center for Sustainable Energy (CSE) at 855-704-6350 or cheapr@energycenter.org. Program staff are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, with 24-hour voicemail access.

The eBike Incentive Program represents a significant step towards cleaner air and more sustainable transportation in Connecticut. By participating, residents can help reduce emissions, improve public health, and positively impact their communities. Be sure to apply during the open window and stay informed by joining the eBike mailing list for the latest updates on this impactful program.

DEEP Reports Case of EEE in White-Tailed Deer in Eastern Connecticut

August 22, 2024August 22, 2024 by Uncas Health District

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Rarely Documented in Wild Mammals; DEEP and DPH Advise Continued Precautions to Avoid Mosquitoes

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) today announced that a white-tailed deer that exhibited neurologic symptoms and died on August 12, 2024, in Lisbon, Connecticut, was infected with the eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.

EEE is a serious but rare illness caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. It is the most severe mosquito-transmitted disease in the U.S., with approximately 40 percent mortality and significant brain damage in half of survivors. No human or horse cases of EEE have been reported in Connecticut this year, although human cases have been documented in Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Jersey.

The CT Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) conducted a necropsy and tested the deer for various diseases, including rabies, hemorrhagic disease, West Nile virus (WNV), and EEE, and determined that the EEE virus caused the deer’s neurologic symptoms.

This finding is rare in wild mammals but is not surprising since EEE-positive mosquitoes have been documented by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) in nearby towns. However, this finding also indicates that the EEE virus is present in mammal-biting mosquitoes, prompting Connecticut’s Mosquito Management Program to continue to advise residents to take proper precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites, such as wearing mosquito repellent and covering bare skin, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

“DEEP urges residents to continue to take appropriate precautions to avoid contact with mosquitoes,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. “With EEE now detected in mammal-biting mosquitoes in Eastern Connecticut, residents should continue to be vigilant when taking part in outdoor activities to avoid exposure to mosquito bites.”

“Infection with EEE virus can cause serious illness affecting the brain. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and decreased consciousness,” said Department of Public Health (DPH) Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “The disease is fatal in 25-50 percent of cases and many of those who recover experience lasting health problems. Individuals with symptoms suggestive of EEE infection should contact their physician immediately. No human vaccine against EEE virus infection or specific antiviral treatment for clinical EEE virus infections is available.”

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 municipalities throughout the state to test mosquitoes for various pathogens, including EEE and WNV. So far this season, WNV-positive mosquitoes have been found in 31 towns and EEE-positive mosquitoes have been detected in 5 eastern Connecticut towns: Canterbury, Ledyard, North Stonington, Sterling, and Voluntown. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes, residents should take the following personal precautions:

Minimize time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially dawn and dusk.
Consider the use of mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-methane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone when it is necessary to be outdoors.
After returning indoors, wash any treated skin with soap and water.
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect infants when outdoors.

Residents are also encouraged to take steps at home to protect against mosquitoes, such as making sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair, and not letting stagnant water collect around your home. Dump water out of old tires, wheelbarrows, and wading pools. More information on mosquito control around the home can be found on the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.

Late summer and early fall is a popular time to enjoy the wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities here in Connecticut – such as hiking, camping, fishing, birdwatching, boating or hunting. Anyone enjoying the outdoors in Connecticut should protect themselves against mosquito bites while out in the field.

Fall hunting seasons start soon and extend over the next few months in Connecticut, including the archery deer and turkey season, which opens in mid-September. The EEE virus cannot by contracted by people who eat the meat of harvested animals, although, as with all wild game, the meat should be prepared properly and cooked to the proper temperature.

The response to mosquito transmitted diseases in Connecticut is a collaborative inter-agency effort involving DEEP, CAES, DPH, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Pathobiology at UCONN. These agencies are responsible for monitoring mosquito populations and the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

For information on WNV and EEE, what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, the latest mosquito test results, and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.