Mosquitoes carrying rare, serious illness found in Connecticut

Mosquitoes in southeast Connecticut have tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis, a rare but serious illness that affects the brain, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.

The mosquitoes were trapped in the Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown Sept. 23. These mosquitoes — which bite both birds and mammals — are the first ones this year that have tested positive for the virus, according to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

The Department of Public Health is reminding residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites, such as wearing mosquito repellent and covering bare skin, especially during

dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani said while the detection of the virus is

concerning, “It is important to remember that we do not expect to see a lot of mosquito activity in the month of October.”

Though EEE is rare, it can cause serious illness affecting the brain. Symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck and decreased consciousness, DPH said.

The disease is fatal in 25 to 50 percent of cases.

Many of those that do recover experience lasting health problems. There is no human vaccine against EEE nor a specific antiviral treatment available, according to the Department of Public Health.

The virus cannot be passed from person to person or from horses to humans, DPH said.

Anyone with symptoms suggestive of EEE should contact their physician immediately.

Contributed photo Mosquitoes in Voluntown tested positive for the eastern equine encephalitis virus, a rare but serious illness.