Mayor: Avoid Outdoors From Dusk To Dawn Due To EEE Threat

NEW LONDON, CT—Mayor Michael Passero has advised residents of New London to avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn "until further notice," due to the threat of contracting Eastern Equine Encephalitis from infected mosquitoes.

"It is advised that people in Eastern Connecticut need to take extra precautions to protect themselves against EEE as state public health officials have announced the second person diagnosed with the virus this year in Connecticut has passed away," a press release from Passero reads.

East Lyme resident Patricia Shaw, 77, died last week after contracting the virus. State health officials said the latest victim, from Old Lyme, was hospitalized after becoming infected with EEE earlier this month.

Passero's statement says that all residents of the city "are advised to avoid outdoor activities from dusk assume 5:30 p.m. to dawn until further notice. "

Additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:
• Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
• While outdoors, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
• Use mosquito netting if sleeping outdoors.
• Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also effective for brief periods of exposure.
• When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months. Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:
• Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire Swings, clogged gutters.
• Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
• Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and cover pools when not in use.
• Use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.

Additional resources for information on EEE and mosquito management can be found at http://www.ct.gov/mosquito/sit... For information on what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes and the latest mosquito test results and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program web site at portal.ct.gov/mosquito.