Mosquitoes are front of mind right now, especially with recent news reports of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in other parts of the state. The Norwalk Health Department is aware of the recent EEE-positive mosquito found in Stamford. Recent mosquitos trapped and tested in Norwalk on September 18 and 19 did not test positive for EEE. The Health Department remains in communication with City and State officials to monitor the situation.
The mosquito population is declining rapidly throughout the state as temperatures drop. Right now, the Health Department recommends that the public take the usual precautionary measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes and mosquito bites.
To avoid getting bitten:
Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
Use insect repellent when outside: When used as directed, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Cover up: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Keep mosquitoes outside: Install or repair window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
Clear mosquito breeding grounds: Drain stagnant, standing water around your home in places like old tires, birdbaths, wading pools, garbage can lids, and even cans in recycle bins. Keep gutters and leaders free of debris. Do not leave swimming pools uncovered without chlorinating and filtering.
The Health Department’s mosquito management program, designed to combat all mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus and EEE, includes working with state officials to monitor the mosquito population, annual larviciding to help control the mosquito population, and educating residents about how to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
For more information:
The Health Department’s mosquito management program: https://www.norwalkct.org/761/Mosquitoes-and-West-Nile-Virus
Information about mosquitoes, West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, and the state’s efforts to manage and monitor mosquitoes, visit www.ct.gov/mosquito
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information about Eastern Equine Encephalitis: https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/
About the Norwalk Department of Health: Under the direction of the mayor, and with valuable guidance from its six-member Board of Health, the Norwalk Health Department provides a variety of services and programs to fulfill its mission: to prevent and control the spread of disease, promote a healthy environment, and protect the quality of life within its changing community. The Health Department achieved accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) in June 2014, demonstrating that it meets or exceeds national public health standards and commits to continuously improve the quality of the services it delivers. More information is available at www.norwalkhealth.com.