Connecticut health officials are cautioning southeastern area state residents over the potentially deadly mosquito-borne eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus after detecting virus-positive mosquitoes.
According to the state health department, mosquitoes trapped in the Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown tested positive for the EEE virus, marking Connecticut’s first EEE-positive mosquitoes of the year, per a release posted Monday.
Connecticut health officials are cautioning southeastern area state residents over the potentially deadly mosquito-borne eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus after detecting virus-positive mosquitoes.
According to the state health department, mosquitoes trapped in the Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown tested positive for the EEE virus, marking Connecticut’s first EEE-positive mosquitoes of the year, per a release posted Monday.
EEE infection can cause severe illness affecting the brain and symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck, and decreased consciousness, with 25-50% of cases resulting in death, though recovered individuals will face persisting health issues, health officials said.
To cut down the risk of infection, residents were advised to head indoors during daily peak mosquito activity, from dusk to dawn, repair door and window screens, wear protective clothing like long pants and a long-sleeved shirt and use mosquito repellent while outdoors. Click here for more information.
