CANTERBURY, Conn. — Several mosquitoes trapped in Canterbury for testing came back positive for carrying Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, according to researchers at the Connecticut Agriculture Experiment Station.
The mosquitoes were collected from a trap at Quinebaug Camp Road in Canterbury on July 16, and four mosquitoes from the sample tested positive for EEE. This is the first batch of mosquitoes where EEE was detected this season. No human cases have been found so far this year.
“The detection of EEE virus in July is reason for concern as conditions are suitable for further build-up and spread of the virus in the coming weeks and months,” said Dr. Philip Armstrong, chief scientist at CAES. "We are also detecting the virus in mosquitoes that feed on mammals which increases the risk for human infection."
CAES also tests mosquitoes for West Nile virus. A total of 41 mosquitoes from a dozen Connecticut towns and cities have tested positive for WNV.
To prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of spreading these viruses to humans, officials encourage using mosquito repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants at dusk, dawn and night and using window and door screens or netting.
---
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com
---
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Stream Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.