Mosquitos With Jamestown Canyon Virus Found in Stonington

Stonington is among just a few towns in the state right now where mosquitoes have tested positive for the Jamestown Canyon virus.

The virus attacks the central nervous system and is very rare in humans in the U.S. Most reported have been mild, but more serious central nervous system ailments,  including meningoencephalitis, have been documented, according to a UPI report.

While Connecticut is seeing an unusually large number of mosquitoes this year, so far only a few of the insects trapped by the state have tested positive for one of the three diseases the state monitors each year; West Nile Virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Jamestown Canyon.

The state uses a network of 91 mosquito-trapping stations in 72 municipalities, including ones in Stonington and Pawcatuck, to trap mosquitos. The stations are maintained by the state's Agricultural Experiment Station to monitor mosquito activity.

Last year, there were 18 confirmed cases of West Nile Virus in Connecticut following the mosquito season, which ends in October. None of those people died from the disease.

For a map of towns and sites where infected mosquitoes have been identified, click here.

For information on West Nile virus and what you can do to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes, visit the Connecticut Mosquito Management Program website.