BROOKLYN — The Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH) is reminding residents to take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) are two diseases transmitted by infected mosquitoes that are of particular concern in the late summer and fall.
The State Mosquito Management Program reports that an increasing number of mosquitoes trapped by the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station are testing positive for WNV and EEE.
Both WNV and EEE can cause severe disease in humans.
While WNV infections are usually not fatal, patients who develop meningitis or encephalitis may suffer long lasting symptoms of the nervous system. 
EEE is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the country. It is a rare but potentially deadly disease.
A fatal human infection of EEE in eastern Connecticut was recorded in 2013.
Horses and other animals can also contract WNV and EEE.
Horse owners are reminded to review vaccination records with their veterinarians to ensure that EEE and WNV vaccinations are current and their horses are protected during the mosquito season.
Residents of Connecticut are at highest risk of acquiring WNV and EEE infections in August and September when the number of infected mosquitoes peaks.
To help residents lower their risk of acquiring mosquito-borne illnesses, NDDH developed the SWAT campaign that offers tips to avoid being bitten.
“SWAT is an easy acronym to remember to prevent mosquito bites,“ said Susan Starkey, NDDH Director of Health.
“Screens on doors and windows should be tight-fitting and in good repair; Wear protective clothing such as shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts to cover bare skin; apply insect repellent according to instructions when going outdoors and be particularly careful at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
"Most importantly, Toss any standing water that may be collecting on your property. Water in wading pools, bird baths, buckets, barrels, flower pots, pet dishes, and tire swings should be changed or emptied regularly.
"Clogged roof gutters should be cleaned. These simple steps can help you reduce the risk for you and people you care about.”

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POW! 1st
Fridays
goes
ComiCon
Boom! Bam! Pow! Zap!
ComiCon is coming to Putnam for First Fridays from 5 to 9 p.m. Sept. 6.
Dress as your favorite superhero or come as you are for downtown Putnam’s first ComiCon-themed event!  Have your picture taken with Batman and the Batmobile, visit a life-sized Spider-man statue and the Hall of Heroes to experience an iconic moment in comic history!
This is the Putnam Business Association First Fridays Committee’s fifth in a series of six events for the 2019 “Made in America” series.
The American Legion Post #13 will officially start the event at 5, presenting the Color Guard. The National Anthem will be sung by Local Vocal. Local Vocal is a group of local northeastern Connecticut vocalists. They re-formed in 2017 to perform at First Fridays events. The group consists of Donna and Andre Bessette, Linda Colangelo, David LaChance, and Patrick McCarthy.
There will be a live broadcast from WINY’s Gary O from 5 to 6 p.m. and Super Hero movie music until 9.
Live music in Union Square features The Outcrops. The Outcrops dug their roots into rock n’ roll, blues, funk, R&B, old country and jazz. Their original music stems from the same soulful soil.
Events are lined up in conjunction with Wonderland Comics include: Matt Ryan from Free Lunch Studios, Andy Smith, pencil and inker; and Keith Champagne, writer/artist from DC Comics and Marvel. Ryan will lecture at The Bradley Playhouse starting at 5:30 and a Q&A follows. Andy Smith and Keith Champagne do signings and a Q&A inside Wonderland Comics.
Richard Riley of Riley’s Replicas will recreate a life-sized version of the cover artwork from Web of Spider-Man #33 (originally drawn by Mike Zeck) — Spider-Man is crawling out of a shallow grave after being tranquilized by Kraven the Hunter.  The statue will be on display on the lawn of the Congregational Church of Putnam.
The Bat Mobile, Batman, Batgirl, Robin, Dead Pool — and maybe a few surprise characters — will be available for photos. The Bat Mobile will be in front of the Congregational Church of Putnam. Super Hero appearances will start at 6. Watch for the Bat Signal!
The “Hall of Heroes” in Art Alley between 85 Main and Bear Hands Brewery will include photo opps, character displays, music and more.
Super Hero capes and masks will be free for children courtesy of NorthStar Home Loans and the Putnam Business Association in the Hall of Heroes outdoor area. The first 200 children will get free capes and masks, starting at 5 p.m. Other children’s activities will be available courtesy of House of Prayer Ministry throughout the event.
Hale YMCA is the Volunteer Spotlight Group and will be hold a Zumba Street Performance at 6.
The Complex Performing Art Centre will feature faculty Seana Hendrickson and Emily Zornado singing and Morgan Brown on guitar at 5:30 and 6:30.
More than 40 art and food vendors will be in attendance.

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PUTNAM --- Wilbert Harris, housekeeper for Day Kimball Healthcare (DKH), has been named employee of the month for July by DKH.

Harris began working at DKH in July 2015 after retiring from his own commercial cleaning business. Prior to that, Harris volunteered as a painter pressman for The Hartford Times and was a subcontractor for several carpet and upholstery cleaning companies. In his role as a housekeeper, Harris is responsible for cleaning and maintaining sanitary, orderly and attractive conditions in spaces occupied by patients, staff, and visitors at the Hospital.

Harris grew up in the Hartford County area before moving to northeastern Connecticut in 1998. He lives in Thompson with his life partner, Linda. Harris is a full time caretaker for Linda, and on a personal note he shared, “My partner and I have been patients on several occasions at Day Kimball Hospital. I am thankful to DKH for saving Linda’s life a couple of times.”

In his spare time, Harris volunteers in the community to help those in need. When not working or volunteering, Harris enjoys being outdoors and can often be found saltwater fishing or hiking. He has also proud to have raised German Shepherds for over 40 years.