East Shore District Health Department

08/28/2026

🚨 Connecticut reports its first human case of West Nile virus this year.

The Middlesex County man in his 30s, became ill in early August, was hospitalized, and has since recovered. Risk remains elevated: The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station has detected WNV in mosquito pools in 34 Connecticut towns this season.

As summer winds down, it’s still important to protect yourself from mosquito bites:

🦟 Use EPA-registered insect repellent
👕 Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
🌅 Limit time outdoors from dusk to dawn, when mosquitoes are most active
💧 Remove standing water around your home at least once a week

Most people infected with WNV do not develop symptoms, but the virus can cause serious illness, particularly in adults age 60 and older. Learn more about West Nile virus and how to protect yourself and your family: https://ow.ly/cfHK50ZG8AP

08/25/2026

Effective August 25, 2026, all public beaches have been reopened for swimming.

Learn more about our beach and bathing water program by visiting our website https://esdhd.org/beach-water-bathing/

08/25/2026

Have you seen a Spotted Lanternfly? Report your sighting to the CT Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) : https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/cd88aecff65948e795bac5f34e1b66d2

Learn more about the Spotted Lanternfly, including how to spot them and how to stop the spread, by visiting the CAES or CT DEEP websites.
https://portal.ct.gov/caes/plants-pest-info/spotted-lanternfly?language=en_US
https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Forestry/Forest-Protection/Spotted-Lanternfly

https://esdhd.org/spotted-lanternfly-what-you-need-to-know/

08/21/2026

Effective August 21st, all public beaches are temporarily closed due to the amount of rainfall over the past 24 hours. Please check our website for a list of a beaches and updates.

https://esdhd.org/beach-water-bathing/

08/04/2026

07/31/2026

Ever wondered what Save the Sound does?

Watch to learn how they’re helping protect our waterways, wildlife, and communities. Clean water starts with us!

Save this post to remember, and follow along as we share simple ways our community can protect local waters, one dog p**p bag at a time.

Visit our website to learn more about our water quality projects www.esdhd.org

07/28/2026

07/27/2026

Did you know your yard can either attract ticks...or help keep them away?

A few simple landscaping habits can reduce tick habitat around your home:
✂️ Keep grass mowed
🌞 Stack firewood in sunny areas
🐦 Move bird feeders away from the house
🪵 Reduce leaf litter and ground cover
🛝 Place play and seating areas away from wooded or shady edges

Whether you're gardening, grilling, or just enjoying time outside, small changes can help lower your risk of tick bites.

Learn more about how to prevent tick bites: https://ow.ly/EyKt50ZhKrG