Mosquitoes test positive for EEE in East Lyme

Mosquitoes trapped in East Lyme have tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis, Ledge Light Health District announced Monday.

Previously, the deadly EEE virus, which has caused the deaths of three Connecticut residents this year, has been detected in mosquitoes trapped in Groton, Ledyard, Lyme, North Stonington, Old Lyme, Stonington and Waterford. The mosquitoes trapped in East Lyme are primarily bird-biting.

Four human cases of the disease have been confirmed in Connecticut, with the three deaths in East Lyme, Old Lyme and East Haddam.

Residents who live in towns or near towns where the EEE virus has been found in mosquitoes and/or where there has been a confirmed case of EEE involving a human, horse or bird are advised to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, including:

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 percent lasts approximately two hours and 20 percent 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 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.