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Deep River Postpones Fireworks, Shortens Sports Events Due to Mosquito Concerns

In response to the rise in potential for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) disease carrying mosquitoes in the area, a positive test for EEE in the Cedar Swamp located in Chester, and a known human case of EEE discovered in East Lyme, the Deep River Board of Selectmen together with the Parks & Recreation Department will be asking all sports organizations to end activities one hour prior to sunset each day, effective immediately continuing until the first heavy frost. All parks and fields will close at dusk. With the safety of the community in mind it has also been decided to postpone the Family Day Fireworks Show scheduled for the evening of Saturday, Sept. 21. This decision was not made lightly but was done so after lengthy discussions with both the Connecticut River Area Health District and the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health.

The EEE virus has been identified in human-biting mosquitoes in 12 towns and in horses in two other towns by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. The State Department of Public Health is warning that an adult resident of East Lyme has tested positive for EEE. This is the first human case of EEE identified in Connecticut this season.

“EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages,” said DPH Commissioner Renée Coleman Mitchell in a release. “Using insect repellent, covering bare skin and avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn are effective ways to help keep you from being bitten by mosquitoes.”

Towns where mosquitoes have tested positive for EEE include Chester, Haddam, Hampton, Groton, Killingworth, Ledyard, Madison, North Stonington, Plainfield, Shelton, Stonington, and Voluntown. Horses have tested positive for EEE virus in Colchester and Columbia this season, and the virus has been detected in a flock of wild pheasants.

There is no specific treatment for EEE. Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and no effective anti-viral drugs have been discovered. Severe illnesses are treated by supportive therapy which may include hospitalization, respiratory support, IV fluids, and prevention of other infections. It takes 4 to 10 days after the bite of an infected mosquito to develop symptoms of EEE.

To reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes residents should:

• Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

• Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.

• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.

• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in an unscreened structure and to protect small babies when outdoors.

• Consider the use of mosquito repellent, according to directions, when it is necessary to be outdoors.

For information on what can be done to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes and the latest mosquito test results and human infections, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program web site at https://portal.ct.gov/mosquito. For more information about EEE prevention visit the CDC website.