The Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) announced today that it is closely monitoring the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus that has been identified in mosquitoes in 14 Connecticut towns, causing two deaths.

The WWHD is also on the lookout for West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes, which are usually detected locally each fall; however, the big concern this year is EEE, blamed for the deaths of two East Lyme residents.

According to reports, the EEE virus has been identified in mosquitoes in 14 state municipalities: Chester, Haddam, Hampton, Groton, Killingworth, Ledyard, Madison, North Stonington, Old Lyme, Plainfield, Shelton, South Windsor, Stonington and Voluntown.

The WWHD announcement said 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.

By Jenna Carlesso

State officials are urging residents to be cautious after a second Connecticut resident died of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a rare but serious illness caused by mosquito bites.

The second patient, who lived in Old Lyme, was described as an elderly person. Officials did not release the resident’s name or age.

The first patient, a 77-year-old East Lyme woman who has been identified in media reports as Patricia Shaw, died earlier this month after spending weeks in the hospital.

“This is a serious public health concern and we wanted to let you know that these are the first deaths from EEE that have been reported here in our state since 2013,” Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz said today. “We also know that this is an effect of climate change.”

It was standing room only tonight at the Westport Library as local state legislators held a forum of immunization. Hosting were Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Sen. Will Haskell and Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, who introduced medical experts. In recent years, statistics show that vaccination rates in schools across Connecticut are dropping. Gov. Ned Lamont has said he will seek to repeal the religious exemption for vaccinations.  (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Jaime Bairaktaris for WestportNow.com

The Westport Weston Health District has announced it will conduct three clinics specifically for influenza (flu) vaccines in October, November, and December.

The first will be on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by one on Wednesday, Nov. 13 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and finally one on Monday, Dec. 9 from 9 a.m. to noon.

All these flu vaccination clinics will be held at the Health District offices, 180 Bayberry Lane.

Although walk-ins are accepted during the clinic dates, residents are encouraged to schedule an appointment online by going to http://www.WWHD.org and click on the appointment link.

Though Westport is not among the 12 Connecticut towns where Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been identified in trapped mosquitoes, West Nile virus is expected to show up this fall, according to the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD).

Mark Cooper, WWHD executive director, said it may only be a matter of time for the virus to appear, adding that West Nile is usually identified in local mosquitoes each fall.

EEE is of particular concern to the state Department of Health. In addition to the virus being found in mosquitoes, human cases of EEE infection, including fatalities, have been identified this year in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Jersey.

No human cases of EEE have been identified in Connecticut so far this year, according to a WWHD announcement.

Fall prevention is the topic of the Westport Weston Health District (WWHD) second installment of its “Let’s Chat” series set for Wednesday, Aug. 21, Mark Cooper, WWHD director, announced.

The forum starting at 5 p.m. in the community room, 180 Bayberry Lane, will be led by Dr. Jennifer Walker and Dr., Louis D’Onofrio, the WWHD’s director of clinical care. It is being held on the cusp of Fall Prevention Awareness Day, Friday, Aug. 23.

According to Cooper, falls are the leading cause of injury related emergency department visits for older adults.

“Falls are the leading cause of hip fractures and may cause fatal head injuries,” Cooper said. “Falls and fall injuries are a growing public health concern.”

Westport Hot Yoga has opened on the upper level of 877 Post Road East next to the Sherwood Diner. Partners Rich Failla, a retired Westport police officer, and Abbey Chase, had operated Fairfield Hot Yoga for almost 10 years in Fairfield. Said Chase of the move to Westport: “We have strong ties here. Our residence is here, and our three children attend schools here.”  She said the yoga is “weighted toward fitness rather than a spiritual emphasis.” Westport Hot Yoga is open every day and offers private as well as group sessions. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com