EEE: Norwalk Health Department Offers Tips To Avoid Mosquitoes

NORWALK, CT — With three confirmed deaths in Connecticut due to the virus, the Norwalk Health Department is offering tips to help residents avoid mosquito-borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

"The Norwalk Health Department is aware of the recent EEE-positive mosquito found in Stamford," wrote health department officials in a statement. "Recent mosquitos trapped and tested in Norwalk on September 18 and 19 did not test positive for EEE. The Health Department remains in communication with City and State officials to monitor the situation."

Due to the seasonal drop in temperature, the mosquito population is declining rapidly throughout the state, but officials still recommend that "the public take the usual precautionary measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito bites."

The following are some tips to avoid getting bitten:

• Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellent when outside: When used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Cover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Keep mosquitoes outside: Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Clear mosquito breeding grounds: Drain stagnant, standing water around your home in places like old tires, birdbaths, wading pools, garbage can lids, and even cans in recycle bins. Keep gutters and leaders free of debris. Do not leave swimming pools uncovered without chlorinating and filtering.

"The Health Department’s mosquito management program, designed to combat all mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus and EEE, includes working with state officials to monitor the mosquito population, annual larviciding to help control the mosquito population, and educating residents about how to protect themselves from mosquito bites," officials said.

For more information:

• The Health Department’s mosquito management program:

https://www.norwalkct.org/761/Mosquitoes-and-West-Nile-Virus

• Information about mosquitoes, West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and the state’s efforts to manage and monitor mosquitoes, visit

www.ct.gov/mosquito

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information about Eastern Equine Encephalitis: https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/