Mosquito Testing Begins

For West Nile, EEE Virus

HARTFORD — The State of Connecticut Mosquito Management Program is again monitoring mosquitoes for the presence of viruses that can cause illness in people, including West Nile virus (WNV) and eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE). The mosquito trapping and testing program, coordinated by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), began June 1. Reporting test results will begin next week.

“It is prudent to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites during the mosquito season,” said Connecticut Department of Public Health Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, MD, MPH, MBA.

“We also ask the public to reduce mosquito breeding areas around homes by eliminating standing water,” he stated.

In 2009, no Connecticut residents were identified with WNV or EEE infection; however, WNV-positive mosquitoes were trapped in 16 towns. In addition, last year EEE was found in mosquitoes trapped in 24 Connecticut towns.

Monitoring and risk assessment for WNV emphasizes mosquito trapping and testing results. The CAES maintains a network of 91 mosquito-trapping stations in 72 municipalities throughout the state. Mosquito traps are set Monday–Thursday nights with trapping conducted at each site every ten days on a rotating basis. Mosquitoes are grouped (pooled) for testing according to species, collection site, and date. Positive findings are reported to local health departments, in press releases, and on the CAES web site.

For information on West Nile virus and what you can do to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website at www.ct.gov/mosquito.