Mosquitoes Test Positive for EEE
Two mosquitoes have tested positive for EEE in Connecticut.
Two mosquitoes trapped in North Stonington have tested positive for Easter Equine Encephalitis (EEE), according to the State Department of Public Health.
They are the first EEE-positive mosquitoes to turn up in Connecticut this year.
The mosquitoes were trapped on Aug. 20 and Aug. 25.
"The State Mosquito Management Program continues to find mosquito-borne illnesses in Connecticut's mosquitoes," Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin said. "The announcements should serve as reminders that Connecticut residents need to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites at this time of the year to avoid getting these diseases."
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A third of people who contract the disease, die from it, the agency said.
Symptoms of the disease include headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. More serious cases can progress into disorientation, seizures or coma, according to the CDC.
Mosquitoes in 19 towns have tested positive for West Nile Virus already this year, according to the Dept. of Health. West Nile is less serious than EEE, but can lead to health problems, and in rare instances can be fatal.
Posted Tuesday, Aug 31, 2010 - 4:47 PM EST
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