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09/03/2019 04:35 PMMosquitoes trapped in Killingworth have tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). Some of the mosquitoes tested were species that are known to bite humans.
EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes. Historically, the virus has been found in trapped mosquitoes in Connecticut, but only one person has contracted EEE. The mortality rate is high, however, and that case resulted in death in 2013.
All residents of Killingworth are advised to avoid outdoor activities from one hour before to one hour after dawn and dusk.
As long as the mosquitoes are active this fall, the Killingworth Transfer Station will be closing at 6 p.m. (rather than 7 p.m.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays, to avoid the hour before sunset. The Transfer Station will open an extra hour on Saturdays, until 3 p.m.
Additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:
• 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, six 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 younger than two months.
Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:
• Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire swings, and 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.
Additional resources for information on EEE and mosquito management can be found at www.ct.gov/mosquito/site/default.asp. For more information, please contact the Killingworth Health Department at 860-663-1765 x223.