Bethany Mosquito Tests Positive For EEE Virus

BETHANY, CT — A mosquito in Bethany has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus, according to a release from the Quinnipiack Valley Health District.

"Today, Quinnipiack Valley Health District (QVHD) received a report that the Bethany trapping station had a Cs. melanura mosquito pool collected on September 23, 2019 test positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV). According to the CDC, 'Cs. melanura is not considered to be an important vector of EEEV to humans because it feeds almost exclusively on birds.'"

In response to the news, the town of Hamden has suspended all dusk to dawn outdoor activities as of Oct. 1. This includes athletic practices and games.

Several other Connecticut towns, such as South Windsor and Branford, have taken similar precautions.

Two Connecticut residents from East and Old Lyme have died due to the EEE virus, officials confirmed. EEE mosquitoes have now been found in more than 20 Connecticut towns.

Severe cases of EEE virus infection (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, and coma. Approximately a third of patients who develop EEE die, and many of those who survive have mild to severe brain damage, according to the DPH.

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.