Lyme, Old Lyme Mosquitoes Test Positive For EEE

Old Lyme, CT—Mosquitoes in Lyme and Old Lyme have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the Ledge Light Health District said Thursday morning.

"All residents of Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington, Stonington, Lyme and Old Lyme are advised to avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn," the health district spokesperson said.

These infected mosquitoes trapped in Lyme and Old Lyme are in addition to the previously announced positive mosquitoes in Groton, Ledyard, North Stonington and Stonington.

Some of the mosquito traps contained mosquito species that are known to bite humans.

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.

Two Connecticut residents have died from EEE this year. One, Patricia Shaw, 77, from East Lyme died Sept. 19. Another person was reported to have died Tuesday, an Old Lyme resident.

New London's mayor also called for residents to avoid the outdoors after dusk.

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.