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The Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) positive mosquitoes were trapped in Hampton on Sept. 19 and North Stonington on Sept. 26, the program said.
In addition, West Nile virus-infected mosquitoes have been identified in 65 sites in 53 towns and cities across the state. To date, there have been no reported human or equine cases of EEE virus this season, but 17 human cases of the West Nile infection have been reported in the state so far this year.
"Although mosquito populations are declining with the onset of cool weather, the late season detection of EEE virus and the continued detection of West Nile virus requires continued vigilance,” said Dr. Philip Armstrong, medical Entomologist at Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station.
Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but serious viral disease in people and horses. On average, there are six human cases reported each year in the U.S. The virus has a 33 percent fatality rate in those who are hospitalized for symptoms.
In Connecticut, outbreaks of EEE have occurred sporadically in horses since 1938 and the first locally-acquired human case and fatality was reported in the fall of 2013.
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