West Nile, EEE-Infected Mosquitoes Found In 25 CT Towns

CONNECTICUT — Mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile Virus or Eastern Equine Encephalitis in 25 Connecticut towns so far this year, including in Fairfield County where EEE was found for the first time in a decade.

West Nile Virus-infected mosquitoes have been found in: Bridgeport, Chester, East Haven, Greenwich, Groton, Hartford, Manchester, New Haven, North Haven, North Stonington, Norwalk, South Windsor, Stamford, Voluntown, West Hartford, West Haven, Wethersfield

EEE-infected mosquitoes were found in the following towns: Chester, Groton, Haddam, Hampton, Killingworth, Ledyard, Madison, North Stonington, Plainfield, Shelton, Stonington, Voluntown

As of Sept. 10 the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has tested more than 212,000 mosquitoes with 56 testing positive for West Nile and 83 for EEE.

There have been 134 Connecticut residents who had confirmed West Nile Virus infections, according to the state Department of Public Health. The disease was first spotted in the U.S. in 1999. Three of the infected residents died. The disease mainly causes mild illness, but some people may experience nervous system issues. The elderly are more susceptible to serious infections.

CT DPH recommends that anyone who experiences high fever, confusion, muscle weakness or severe weakness consult a doctor.

EEE infections in humans are rare with only a few being reported across the U.S. every year. Some symptoms include brain swelling, chills, fever, tiredness, confusion and joint/muscle pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The disease can last for one to two weeks if the central nervous system isn't affected. Brain swelling can lead to coma, convulsions and death.

Around 30 percent of people infected with the virus die and many survivors have neurologic problems.

The most effective way to prevent infection is to stop mosquito bites, according to the CDC. The CDC recommends people use Environmental Protection Agency registered insect repellents and wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants that are treated with permethrin. The effectiveness of natural repellents isn't known.

Homeowners can reduce mosquito populations by emptying items that can hold water inside and outside once a week and to make sure all window screens are in a good state of repair.