Mosquitoes Test Positive For EEE In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — City officials announced Thursday mosquitoes trapped in Stamford Sept. 23 tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis, according to the state's mosquito management program. It is the first time mosquitoes in Stamford tested positive for EEE since October 2003, officials said in a statement.

The situation will be monitored by the Connecticut Agricultural Experimental Station. Mosquitoes in the city will be trapped on a weekly basis throughout the month until the virus is no longer detected or mosquitoes are no longer seen in the area, officials said.

The announcement comes just days after the state Department of Public Health confirmed an East Haddam resident was the third Connecticut resident to die from the EEE virus. An East Lyme and an Old Lyme resident have already died as a result of the virus.

The department also announced the CDC has confirmed the virus caused a Colchester resident to become ill during the third week of August. The resident remains hospitalized.

See also: Third CT Resident Dies From EEE, While Fourth Contracts Virus

No human cases of the virus have been reported in Stamford, however all EEE cases should be reported to the Stamford Department of Health.

"The risk of transmission of mosquito-borne diseases is lower due to colder weather approaching the Stamford area," city officials said in a statement. "Mosquito breeding season is over and the overall number of mosquitos is already decreasing, however residents should continue to take precautionary measures that prevent mosquito bites — especially on warmer days."

The health department recommends residents avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn. When outdoors, residents are urged to wear long sleeve shirts and pants, and use approved mosquito repellent.

The department also recommends residents make sure screens on doors and windows are intact.