The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Expert: Mosquitoes quiet, but season could ramp up
No mosquitoes in Connecticut have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile virus yet, but five have tested positive for another illness.
Also, according to at least one expert, a recent run of rainfall could mean a boost to the mosquito population in the state, making it all the more important to take precautions.
“Following the rain that fell in the last week, residents should be reminded to eliminate standing water around the home, and dump out containers which may hold water — birdbaths, buckets, children’s toys, etc.,” said John Shepard, assistant scientist with the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. “The
time that it takes for a mosquito to develop from egg to adult typically takes seven to 10 days at this time of year, so areas of the state that received heavy rainfall, especially in containers around the home or areas prone to temporary flooding, may produce a new brood of mosquitoes as early as this week.”
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station reports that, between June 1 and June 25, 47,294 mosquitoes had been trapped in the state. None have tested positive for EEE or WNV, but five mosquitoes have tested positive for Jamestown Canyon virus, an emerging infectious disease that was first detected in Colorado in 1961.
The virus, like most mosquitoborne illnesses causes mild, flu-like symptoms in most people, but can lead to more serious illnesses, such as meningitis and encephalitis. The Jamestown Canyon-positive mosquitoes were found in North Stonington, Waterford and Westport.
Last mosquito season was a particularly bad one for EEE, with four human cases in Connecticut, three of them fatal. That many human cases are rare in one season. On average, there are six human EEE cases reported nationwide every year.
Shepard said peak mosquito season hasn’t arrived yet, but it’s coming and people need to be prepared.
“Window screens should be maintained and holes repaired to limit mosquitoes from entering homes,” he said. “The use of EPA-approved mosquito repellents ... or wearing pants and long-sleeved shirts should be considered if people will be in areas where mosquitoes are active, especially around the hours of dusk and dawn.”