HARTFORD, Conn. — The importance of avoiding mosquitoes cannot be underscored, as multiple state agencies are advising residents to take precautions to prevent illnesses such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
A release from the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and the state’s Department of Public Health stressed that it is critical to be vigilant in seeking protection from mosquitoes when recreating outdoors.
Recently, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) reported that mosquitoes in Canterbury and Voluntown tested positive for EEE, which is a rare but serious viral illness that mosquitoes can transmit to humans.
The release said that CAES operates a network of 108 mosquito-trapping stations in 88 Connecticut towns and cities while routinely testing mosquitoes for EEE. CAES said the majority of EEE detections in 2024 have come from mosquito species that exclusively bite birds, but there have been detections from species that bite mammals such as humans, increasing the risk for human EEE infection.
While some people infected with the virus won’t experience severe symptoms, other individuals could develop high fever, headaches, vomiting, disorientation, seizures and a coma.
DEEP and DPH advise residents who are heading outdoors for recreation to take several steps to minimize their chances of contracting EEE.
First, minimize outdoor time between dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. Also, use mosquito repellents. Residents should also wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Wearing light-colored clothing is recommended, as is wearing loose-fitting clothes made of tightly woven materials that prevent mosquitoes from reaching the skin.
While camping, one should ensure tent screens and doors are operational and securely fastened when not in use. Using mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure is also recommended, as is protecting infants.
At home, residents should make sure their door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair. Mosquitoes also breed in stagnant water, so avoid letting water collect on your property.
“DEEP wants people to continue enjoying outdoor activities, like hiking, fishing and camping,” DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes said in the release. “With the news of EEE being detected in mosquitoes in parts of Eastern Connecticut, it’s a good time to be mindful about precautions you should take. These precautions will help you continue to enjoy the outdoors while reducing risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.”
DPW Commissioner Manisha Juthani said that infection with EEE virus can cause serious illness that affects the brain. She offered a grim warning.
“The disease is fatal in 25-50% of cases, and many of those who recover experience lasting health problems,” Juthani said in the release. “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.”
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Dalton Zbierski is a digital content producer and writer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dzbierski@FOX61.com.
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