mosquito - UNCAS Health District

Preventing Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in the Summer Months

July 18, 2024 by Uncas Health District

As the summer months bring warmth and outdoor activities, they also bring mosquitoes. These tiny insects are more than just a nuisance; they can transmit several serious illnesses. Understanding how to avoid mosquito bites, what to do if bitten, and recognizing the symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses is crucial for enjoying a healthy summer.

Common Mosquito-Borne Illnesses in the U.S.

In the United States, several mosquito-borne illnesses are prevalent during the summer months. The most common include:

West Nile Virus (WNV): The leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental U.S. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, but about 1 in 5 will experience fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe cases can lead to neurological illness.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE): Although rare, EEE is a serious illness. Symptoms typically appear 4-10 days after a bite and can include high fever, headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Severe cases can lead to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
Zika Virus: While primarily a concern in tropical regions, occasional cases in the U.S. have been reported. Symptoms are generally mild and include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and muscle pain.

How to Avoid Mosquito Bites

Preventing mosquito bites is the first line of defense against these illnesses. Here are some effective strategies:

Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol. Follow the product instructions for proper application.
Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, long pants, and socks can help shield your skin from bites. Light-colored clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes.
Install Screens: Ensure windows and doors are fitted with screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Repair any holes or tears promptly.
Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water. Regularly empty water from flowerpots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, and birdbaths.
Use Mosquito Nets: In areas with high mosquito activity, consider using mosquito nets over beds or outdoor sitting areas.

What to Do if You Get a Mosquito Bite

Despite precautions, bites can still occur. Here’s how to manage them:

Clean the Area: Wash the bite with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
Apply an Ice Pack: This can help reduce swelling and numb the area, alleviating discomfort.
Use Anti-Itch Creams: Over-the-counter creams containing hydrocortisone or calamine lotion can soothe itching. Antihistamines can also be effective.
Avoid Scratching: Scratching can break the skin, leading to infection.

Recognizing Symptoms of Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Being vigilant about symptoms is crucial for early detection and treatment. Here are common symptoms associated with mosquito-borne diseases:

Fever and Chills: Sudden onset of fever is common in many mosquito-borne illnesses.
Headache and Muscle Pain: These are typical symptoms of WNV, EEE, and Zika virus.
Rash: A rash can accompany Zika virus and WNV.
Neurological Symptoms: Severe headaches, stiff neck, confusion, and seizures can indicate serious conditions like EEE and severe WNV infection.
Joint Pain: Particularly in Zika virus cases.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the above symptoms, especially after being bitten by a mosquito, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing these illnesses effectively.

Mosquito Testing in Connecticut

Find out where mosquito testing is happening in Connecticut and the results of the testing by visiting the CT Agricultural Experiment Station.

Press Release: state officials report positive mosquitoes for Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus in Voluntown

October 23, 2023September 13, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

Voluntown, Conn. — The Uncas Health District is advising residents in southeastern Connecticut to protect themselves and their children from mosquitoes to reduce the chance of contracting eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus.

Mosquitoes trapped in the Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown on September 5, 2023 have tested positive for EEE. Voluntown is one of six towns with EEE infected mosquitoes identified in the state by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station this year. The mosquitoes were Culiseta melanura (2) and Psorophora ferox (1). Connecticut residents are reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.

“We encourage residents of southeastern Connecticut to take simple measures such as wearing mosquito repellent and covering bare skin, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” said Patrick McCormack, MPH, Director of Health.

EEE is a serious but rare illness caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes can only acquire the virus by feeding on infected wild birds. In most years, the virus is found only in species of mosquitoes which feed on birds, but occasionally the virus can be passed on to other mosquito species known to bite people and horses. The virus cannot be passed from person to person or from horses to humans. The risk of mosquito-transmitted diseases such as EEE virus usually increases through the late summer and early fall. Mosquitoes are active until the first heavy frost.

Infection with EEE virus can cause serious illness affecting the brain. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and decreased consciousness. 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.

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

Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
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 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 babies when outdoors.
Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.

Connecticut Mosquito Management Program

The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is a collaborative effort involving the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Agriculture, and the University of Connecticut Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. These agencies are responsible for monitoring the potential public health threat of mosquito-borne diseases.

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 89 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday nights at each site every 10 days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website at http://www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting.

For information on EEE 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 web site at https://portal.ct.gov/mosquito.

DPH announces second case of West Nile virus infection in CT this year

October 23, 2023September 7, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

Residents are advised to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that a Connecticut resident has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection. This is the second human case of WNV-associated illness identified in Connecticut this season.

The patient, who is between 50–59 years of age, became ill during the third week of August with West Nile meningoencephalitis, was hospitalized, and has recovered. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to WNV. This person is a resident of Hartford County.

“The identification of a Connecticut resident with West Nile virus associated illness requiring hospitalization emphasizes the potential seriousness of this infection,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “As we approach the cooler weather, it is important to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Using insect repellent, covering bare skin, and avoiding being outdoors during the hours of dusk and dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes.”

“We continue to have weather conditions that are favorable for the mosquitoes that transmit West Nile virus,” added Philip Armstrong, ScD, medical entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “These mosquitoes are most abundant in urban and suburban areas with dense human populations. We anticipate continued risk for human infection until mosquito activity subsides in October.”

West Nile virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since1999 and is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the U.S. Last year. Most people (eight out of 10) infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop West Nile fever, an illness which includes fever and other symptoms, such as body aches, joint pain, headache, or a rash. About one out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal. People over the age of 60 are at highest risk of serious illness.

Tips for reducing mosquitoes around homes

Mosquitoes require water for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce mosquitoes:

Eliminate standing water suitable for mosquitoes. 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. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.

Tips for avoiding mosquito bites when outdoors

Mosquitoes require a blood meal for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce bites from mosquitoes that feed on people:

Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven and loose fitting.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, 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 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20 percent for four 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 two months old.
Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair to avoid mosquito bites when indoors.

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday nights at each site every ten days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website at http://www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting.

For information on West Nile virus and how to prevent mosquito bites, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito.

DPH announces first case of West Nile virus infection this year

October 23, 2023August 21, 2023 by Patrick McCormack

Residents are advised to protect themselves and their children from mosquito bites

The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that a Connecticut resident has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) infection. This is the first human case of WNV-associated illness identified in Connecticut this season.

The female is a resident of New Haven County and is between 50-59 years of age. She became ill during the third week of July with West Nile fever and has since recovered. Laboratory tests confirmed the presence of antibodies to WNV.

“As we approach the end of summer and continue to enjoy time outdoors with family, friends, and neighbors, it is important to prevent mosquito bites to reduce your risk of exposure to West Nile virus infection,” said DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD. “Using insect repellent, covering bare skin, and avoiding being outdoors during the hours of dusk and dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes.”

“The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus are most abundant in urban and suburban areas and are most active between dusk and dawn.  We anticipate continued risk for human infection until mosquito activity subsides in October,” added Philip Armstrong, ScD, medical entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

West Nile virus has been detected in Connecticut every year since 1999 and is the most prevalent mosquito-borne disease in the US. Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms. About one in five people who are infected develop West Nile fever, an illness which includes a fever and other symptoms such as body aches, joint pain, headache, or a rash. About one out of 150 infected people develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system. About one out of 10 cases of severe illness are fatal. People over the age of 60 are at highest risk of serious illness.

Tips for reducing mosquitoes around homes

Mosquitoes require water for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce mosquitoes:

Eliminate standing water suitable for mosquitoes. 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. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.

Tips for avoiding mosquito bites when outdoors

Mosquitoes require a blood meal for reproduction. The following are measures that can help reduce bites from mosquitoes that feed on people:
Minimize outdoor activities at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven and loose fitting.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
Consider the use of CDC-recommended mosquito repellents, 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 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20% for four 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 two months old.
Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair to avoid mosquito bites when indoors.

The CAES maintains a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 87 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday through Thursday nights at each site every ten days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments and on the CAES website at http://www.ct.gov/caes/mosquitotesting.

For information on West Nile virus and how to prevent mosquito bites, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program Web site at www.ct.gov/mosquito.