State scientists with The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) have begun their annual mosquito monitoring program to detect virus threats from mosquitoes across the state.
Researchers trap and track mosquitoes annually from June to October to look for the presence of mosquito-borne viruses including West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, or “Triple E” virus. Mosquitoes will be tested from 108 locations throughout Connecticut.
Dr. Philip Armstrong, Chief Scientist at CAES, says climate change is affecting the mosquito population in Connecticut.
“We are experiencing warmer winters and longer summers, and that is having an effect on the overall duration of mosquito activity,” Dr. Armstrong said. “These mosquitoes are very temperature sensitive and very sensitive to changes in rainfall and temperature and overall climate.”
He also noted an increase in species typically found in more southern regions, now becoming more common in the state.
Armstrong said the information they collect through the program, now in its 20th year, allows them to stay a step ahead.
“This serves as an early warning system that allows us to track the risk and inform our local partners at the Department of Public Health and local health districts so that we can warn the public and put in place prevention and control measures as needed.”
Last summer, West Nile was detected in 309 mosquito samples from 44 towns across the state. Much of the mosquito activity happened in urban and suburban regions.
Dr. Armstrong says 13 human cases of West Nile-associated illnesses were reported last year.
While there were no human EEE virus cases reported, it was detected in 72 mosquito samples from 16 towns.
However, human cases of EEE were reported in several states near Connecticut, including New York, and New Jersey.
Dr. Armstrong emphasizes that while the risk of infection is low, the potential consequences are serious.
“Most mosquitoes are not carrying this virus, and it's a rare event”, Armstrong said. “But if you were to contract something like West Nile virus or Triple E virus, it's a very severe disease and requires hospitalization.”
Those who contract EEE may experience a range of symptoms including a flu like illness or severe neurological disease.
Symptoms from West Nile may also present as mild or severe, with patients experiencing discomfort such as body aches or even muscle paralysis.
Scientists with CAES urge residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites when they are outside by covering bare skin and wearing EPA approved mosquito repellent, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
