State to begin spraying for mosquitoes

Hartford, Conn./WTIC Radio - The state will begin spraying for mosquitoes that are potentially carrying the eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus on Thursday in a portion of eastern Connecticut.

Officials with the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's Mosquito Management Program say the spraying will take place in the Mount Misery Area of Pachaug State Forest in Voluntown.

As a result, that area will be closed from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 a.m. Friday, weather permitting.

Officials says while no human cases of EEE have been reported in Connecticut, there have been reports in Massachusetts, Vermont, New Jersey, and New Hampshire, where one person died.

EEE has been detected in Connecticut towns including Canterbury, Ledyard, North Stonington, Sterling, and Voluntown.

“DEEP encourages residents to take appropriate precautions as we are still not through the mosquito season,” said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes.

“Mosquitoes are still active, and residents should continue to take measures to prevent mosquito bites, especially during warm evenings when mosquitoes are most active,” said Dr. Philip Armstrong, Medical Entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.

Residents are urged to take precautions including wearing long clothing and using repellent when out when mosquitoes are most active.

Also, eliminate any standing water around homes that could foster mosquito breeding.