The Connecticut State Mosquito Management Program August 28 announced that mosquitoes collected on August 20 in Westport had tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) for the first time in 2007.

The state agency also announced the first mosquitoes testing positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE). The infected mosquitoes were found on August 16 in Plainfield.

"From Westport to Plainfield and everywhere in between, we are doing everything we can do combat the possibility of these viruses," Governor M. Jodi Rell said.

The governor said the state is taking measure to reduce the mosquito population and to reduce the potential for West Nile or EEE to appear in the state.  “We are strongly urging you to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites over the next several weeks."

"The confirmation of eastern equine encephalitis and continued isolations of West Nile virus highlight the advice to take the threat of mosquito-borne diseases seriously at this time of year." said Theodore Andreadis, Ph.D., Chief Medical Entomologist for the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES).

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but often serious disease resulting in symptoms including high fever, stiff neck, headache and lack of energy. The most serious result of infection is encephalitis, a fatal condition in approximately one-third of persons who become ill.

Symptoms generally manifest within 3 to 10 days after a bite of an infected mosquito. So far no confirmed human cases have been identified in Connecticut. In 2006, EEE-infected mosquitoes were identified in North Stonington, Stonington, and Woodbridge.

"In Connecticut, the principal mosquito-transmitted diseases of public health importance build up during August and present the greatest risk during September," said Department of Public Health Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, M.D., M.P.H., M.B.A.

"We remind state residents to take the measures necessary to avoid mosquito bites. This is especially important in areas where West Nile or eastern equine encephalitis viruses are identified."

So far this summer, West Nile virus positive mosquitoes have been found in seven towns – Danbury, Greenwich, Manchester, Newington, Stamford, West Haven, and Westport.

In Connecticut, four persons, residents of Danbury, Hartford, New London, and Woodbridge have suffered West Nile virus, but recovered.

In most people, WNV infection causes no or only mild illness with symptoms including fever, headache, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or a skin rash. In some people severe conditions can be developed causing neck stiffness, disorientation, loss of consciousness, tremors, muscle weakness, and paralysis. Persons older than 50 years of age are known to be more likely than younger persons to suffer the more severe health consequences if they become infected with West Nile virus.

The Connecticut State Mosquito Management Program suggests precautions to avoid mosquito bites as follows:

Minimize time outdoors at dusk and dawn.
Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.
Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.
Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors.
Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors. Always use according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin.
When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately two hours and 20% for four 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 two months old.

The suggested measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:

Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings.
Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.
Clean clogged roof gutters.
Turn over objects that may trap water when not in use, such as wading pools and wheelbarrows.
Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools. When pools are not in use, use pool covers and drain when necessary.
Use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.