More Mosquitoes Test Positive For EEE

STONINGTON, CT—Mosquitoes in Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Ledge Light Health District said. Previously the positive tests were seen in Stonington and North Stonington.

The Groton and Ledyard positive results are new and Groton town officials have restricted access to parks and rec fields after 6:30 p.m. as a precaution.

Ledge Light says that some of the mosquito traps contained mosquito species that are known to bite humans.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, known as EEE, is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Historically, the virus has been found in trapped mosquitoes in Connecticut, but only one person has died from EEE.

All residents of Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington are advised to avoid outdoor activities from one hour before to one hour after dawn and dusk.

Town of Groton administration, council and schools say it's "in the best interest of protecting the health of the community to limit exposure to mosquitoes by restricting evening activities to end by 6:30 pm daily."

That means all parks and rec field use after 6:30 p.m. is canceled.

"We will make every effort to reschedule previously scheduled games and practices. We realize that this will greatly affect many practices and games, but ask for your help in conveying the message that it is a wise decision to protect the health of our community."

In the meantime, here are ways to avoid mosquito bites:

• 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, and 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. *