A mosquito trap in Connecticut has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis for the first time this season.
The mosquito was caught on August 3 at Stonington High School, according to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) can be transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. It is a disease that can cause neurological disease and an infection of the brain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can be fatal.
There were also seven mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile Virus in the last test round. That brings the number to 28 so far this season.
The Ledge Light Health District published the following tips to keep you safe:
Precautions to prevent mosquito bites
- Make sure that door and window screens fit snugly and are in good repair.
- While you are out for long periods of time, wear shoes, socks, long pants and shirts with long sleeves. Clothing should be light-colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
- Use mosquito nets when sleeping outside and to protect small babies when they are outside.
- Consider the use of mosquito repellents recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), such as those containing DEET, picaridine, lemon eucalyptus oil, IR3535, or 2-undecanone, and apply as directed, if necessary. to be outside.
- If you use DEET, use the lowest concentration effectively for the time spent outside (for example, 6% lasts about 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when you return home. Do not apply under clothing, on wounds or irritated skin, children’s hands, or in infants less than 2 months.
- Minimize the time spent outside between dusk and breakfast when mosquitoes are most active.
Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the house
- Dispose of containers for water retention, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tires floating, clogged gutters.
- Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
- Change water in birdbaths on a weekly basis.
- Swimming pools clean and chlorinate, and cover pools when not in use.
- Use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.
Response Plan for Connecticut EEE
.
