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Connecticut health officials warn residents of the southeastern state of potentially fatal Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus transmitted by mosquitoes after detecting mosquitoes positive for the virus .
Mosquitoes trapped in the Pachaug state forest in Voluntown tested positive for the EEE virus, marking Connecticut’s first EEE positive mosquitoes of the year, according to the state’s health department, according to a statement. published Monday.
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“We encourage people in Southeast Connecticut to take simple steps such as wearing mosquito repellent and covering bare skin, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active,” the said. DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, MD, in a statement. “While the detection of the EEE virus is concerning, it’s important to remember that we don’t expect to see a lot of mosquito activity in October.”
EEE disease is rare but serious, health officials wrote, adding that mosquitoes become infected by feeding on infected wild birds. The virus is most often detected among bird biting mosquitoes, but in some cases it can be transmitted to species of mosquitoes that bite humans and horses, the release said.
EEE cannot be transmitted from person to person or from horse to human, officials said, adding that the risk of contracting a mosquito-borne disease like EEE usually increases in late summer. and in early fall, with mosquito activity observed until the first heavy frost.
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EEE infection can cause serious illness affecting the brain, and symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck and decreased consciousness, with 25-50% of cases resulting in death , although those who are cured face persistent health problems, health officials said.
To reduce the risk of infection, residents were advised to go indoors during peak daily mosquito activity from dusk to dawn, repair window and door screens, wear protective clothing such as long pants and a long-sleeved shirt and use mosquito repellent outside. Click here for more information.
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