Health Dept: No EEE Mosquitoes Found in Danbury

DANBURY, CT — The city Health Department is hoping to quiet fears that the outbreak of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis viru that has befallen other municipalities in the state will be a danger locally.

"Danbury has a comprehensive mosquito control program that runs from April through October," said Danbury Director of Health Lisa Morrissey in a statement released Thursday. "It includes larviciding of mosquito breeding areas throughout the city, including catch basins and storm drains, as well as investigations of mosquito-related complaints. There is a mosquito collecting site in Danbury and there have been no positive mosquitoes with EEE."

As a result, the city Health Department has not restricted any activity in Danbury. This is in line with the recommendation from the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Morrissey said.

The City of Danbury Department of Health & Human Services is actively collaborating with the city's Parks Department, Public Works, Danbury Public Schools and Western Connecticut State University to provide information to the community, according to the release.

The state Department of Public Health confirmed Tuesday afternoon that an East Haddam resident was the third person from Connecticut to die from the virus. This person, who is between 60 and 69 years of age, became ill during the second week of September and died the third week.

The Health Department is encouraging residents to use personal protection measures, including the use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered mosquito repellent. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from skin, and minimize the risk of bites. Residents should also drain standing water around their property, as mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water.