PUBLIC HEALTH ALERT

An Updated message from the FVHD!!

A bit of good news on the mosquito front. There have been no positive mosquito pools for either WNV or EEE in our Farmington testing site for the past three weeks.  In addition, human biting mosquitoes are on the decline with cooler weather and no rain. Our recommendations for personal protection are still prudent although risk is declining.

Mosquitos that transmit serious illness have been identified.

FVHD urges YOU to take these personal precautions:

• Minimize time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
• When it is necessary to be outdoors, use mosquito repellents containing an EPA-registered active ingredient, including DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. EPA registration of skin-applied repellent products indicates that they have been evaluated and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to instructions on the label. 
• Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time, or when mosquitoes are more active. Clothing should be light-colored and loose-fitting and made of tightly woven materials that keep mosquitoes away from the skin.
• Wear clothing and gear treated with permethrin. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills or repels mosquitoes and ticks. 
• Be sure door and window screens are tight-fitting and in good repair.
• When sleeping outdoors, use tents or mosquito netting in an unscreened structure. Treat camping gear with permethrin when possible.
• Cover strollers and baby carriers with mosquito nets when outside.

For further information on mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program’s website: http://www.portal.ct.gov/mosquito