Message to the Danbury Community Re: EEE Virus

Message to the Danbury Community Re: EEE Virus from Lisa Morrissey, Director of Health

Dear Danbury Community:

As many of you are aware, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH) has shared precautionary measures during the current outbreak of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus.  The City of Danbury Department of Health & Human Services is actively collaborating with our Parks Department, Public Works, Danbury Public Schools and Western Connecticut State University to provide information to our community.

Danbury has a comprehensive mosquito control program that runs from April through October. It includes larviciding of mosquito breeding areas throughout the city, including catch basins and storm drains, as well as investigations of mosquito-related complaints. There is a mosquito collecting site in Danbury and there have been no positive mosquitoes with EEE. As a result, we have not restricted any activity in the community. This is in line with the recommendation from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. 

At this time we are encouraging everyone to use personal protection measures, including the use of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered mosquito repellent. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from skin, and minimize your risk of bites. We are also asking residents to drain standing water around your property as mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. 

In closing, we will keep you informed as we continue to monitor the situation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our department. 

Yours in health,

Lisa