CT reports case of electrical and electronic devices in white-tailed deer

A white-tailed deer that exhibited neurological symptoms and died in Lisbon on August 12 was infected with the Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis virus, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

The University of Connecticut Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory “performed a necropsy and tested the deer for various diseases, including rabies, hemorrhagic disease, West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE and determined that the EEE virus was causing the deer's neurological symptoms,” according to DEEP.

“This finding is rare in wild mammals, but not surprising since the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has documented EEE-positive mosquitoes in nearby towns,” DEEP said in a statement.

“However, this finding also indicates that the EEE virus is present in mammalian mosquitoes. Therefore, Connecticut's Mosquito Management Program continues to advise residents to take appropriate precautions to protect against mosquito bites, such as applying mosquito repellent and covering bare skin, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.”

CT DEEP and DPH issue warning about electrical and electronic equipment found in mosquitoes. Here's what they say to avoid infection.

The agency noted that EEE is a “serious but rare disease caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes. It is the most serious mosquito-borne disease in the United States, with a mortality rate of about 40 percent and significant brain damage in half of survivors.”

However, no cases of electrical and electronic equipment in humans or horses have been reported in Connecticut so far this year, although cases in humans have been documented in Massachusetts, Vermont and New Jersey, the agency said.

DEEP Officer Katie Dykes said, “Now that EEE has been detected in mammalian mosquitoes in eastern Connecticut, residents should continue to be vigilant during outdoor activities to prevent mosquito bites.”

Dr. Manisha Juthani, commissioner of the Ministry of Health, pointed out that the EEE virus can cause “severe brain disease” and that symptoms include high fever, headache, stiff neck and clouding of consciousness.

“The disease is fatal in 25 to 50 percent of cases and many of those who recover suffer permanent health problems. People with symptoms suggestive of EEE infection should contact their doctor immediately,” she said. “There is no vaccine against EEE virus infection, nor is there any specific antiviral treatment for clinical EEE virus infections.”

According to DEEP, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has 108 mosquito trapping stations in 88 communities across the state to test mosquitoes for various pathogens, including EEE and WNV.

“So far this season, WNV-positive mosquitoes have been found in 31 towns and EEE-positive mosquitoes have been detected in five towns in eastern Connecticut: Canterbury, Ledyard, North Stonington, Sterling and Voluntown.

To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, authorities recommend that residents take the following personal precautions:

• Spend as little time outdoors as possible when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Consider using mosquito repellents with an EPA-registered active ingredient such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil, paramethandiol (PMD), or 2-undecanone if you must be outdoors.
• After returning home, wash all treated areas of skin with soap and water.
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when you are outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored, loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outdoors or in an unprotected structure and to protect young children outdoors.
• Residents are also advised to take measures to protect themselves from mosquitoes at home, such as ensuring that screens on doors and windows are tight and in good condition, and ensuring that there is no stagnant water around the house.
• Drain water from old tires, wheelbarrows and paddling pools.

Originally published: August 21, 2024 at 16:39