Widespread EEEV-positive mosquitoes found across northeast CT, health official says

The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has identified Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus positive mosquitoes from testing sites in eight state municipalities, including Hampton, Killingly, Thompson, and Woodstock, according to Northeast District Department of Health Director of Health Susan Starkey.

Mosquitoes trapped in Thompson on Aug. 24 by the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program also tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has said. The five mosquitoes were of a species that predominately bites birds. Still, the station urged people to limit their exposure to the disease, which has caused 181 human cases including four fatalities since 2000.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus is spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes.

Starkey, citing the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, shared that EEEV infections can
result in “fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain, or neurologic disease with symptoms that
may include fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes, drowsiness,
and coma. In infants, neurologic disease often occurs soon after onset; in older children and
adults, encephalitis may occur after several days of illness. The type of illness will depend on
the age of the person and other factors.”

Most people infected with EEEV do not develop symptoms. For those who develop symptoms, the time from infected mosquito bite to onset of illness (incubation period) ranges from 4 to 10 days.

Philip Armstrong, an expert on mosquito-borne viruses, has said that a rainy summer has contributed to higher rates of mosquitos this year as standing and stagnant water increases breeding opportunities. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water and the larvae need water to survive and mature. Armstrong recommends dumping any stagnant water and limiting exposure to mosquito bites.

“The appearance of EEEV in mosquitoes from across the region indicates that all towns in the
northeast are likely to have EEEV activity, ” Starkey said in a a statement. “Everyone should take practical steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”

“SWAT is an easy acronym to remember to prevent mosquito bites” (per health officials):

• Screens on doors and windows should be tight-fitting and in good repair; also use
  mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect
  small babies when 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 made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
• Apply EPA-approved insect repellent according to instructions when going outdoors
  and minimize time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most
  active.
• Toss any standing water that may be collecting on your property. Water in wading
  pools, bird baths, buckets, barrels, flowerpots, pet dishes, and tire swings should be
  changed or emptied regularly. Clogged roof gutters should be cleaned.

Reporting by Stephen Underwood is included in this post.