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.
Statewide, the EEE virus has been identified: Chester; Haddam; Hampton; Groton; Killingworth; Ledyard; Madison; North Stonington; Plainfield; Shelton; Stonington; and Voluntown.
The WWHD added that horses have tested positive for EEE virus in Colchester and Columbia this season. The virus also has been detected in a flock of wild pheasants.
Cooper stressed residents take preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites and reduce the chance of contracting either virus.
Residents are advised to minimize outdoor activity during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. The mosquitoes that carry the virus are active until the first heavy frost, he said.
The WWHD asks residents to eliminate any objects outside that can hold water and become a breeding place for mosquitoes.
It also recommends cleaning house gutters that may retain water; emptying wading pools; chlorinating swimming pools regularly; making sure covers are on grills, boats and other equipment so they do not retain water; and making sure door and window screens are tight fitting to avoid being bitten indoors.
To avoid outdoor bites, the WWHD recommends: being extra careful at dusk and dawn; wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shorts; using mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors; and using mosquito repellents;
For further information, visit http://www.wwhd.org and/or the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program at http://www.ct.gov/mosquito.
