Because of its high mortality rate, EEE is regarded as one of the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the United States, officials said.
HARRISBURG, PA —State health officials are warning residents to take precautions after a rare and deadly mosquito-borne virus has been confirmed in Pennsylvania.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis, known as EEE, has been confirmed in Erie, Carbon, and Monroe counties, state health officials said in a statement. The neurological disease is carried by birds. If a mosquito bites an infected bird, it can then transmit the potentially fatal virus to humans and horses.
The main symptoms of EEE are a high fever, stiff neck, headache, and fatigue. Symptoms typically show up three to 10 days after the bit from an infected mosquito. “Inflammation and swelling of the brain, called encephalitis, can develop. The disease gets worse quickly, and some patients could end up in a coma within a week,” information from the state health department said. “Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take every precaution to protect against this rare, neurological disease and immediately contact their physician or veterinarian if symptoms present,” the statement said.
Here are some tips to avoid mosquito bites:
- Use DEET-containing insect repellents.
- Cover exposed skin with lightweight clothing.
- Make sure window and door screens are in place and are in good condition.
Homeowners should take steps to eliminate standing water around their property to reduce mosquito populations.
Here are some simple steps you can take:
- Remove tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, discarded tires or any object that could collect standing water. Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers left outdoors.
- Have roof gutters cleaned annually, particularly if leaves from nearby trees have a tendency to clog the drains.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Do not let water stagnate in bird baths.
- Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish.
- Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and remove standing water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property.
- Treat standing water that cannot be eliminated with Bti products, which are sold at outdoor supply, home improvement, and other stores. Bti is a natural product that kills mosquito larvae, but is safe for people, pets, aquatic life and plants.
Horse owners are encouraged to proactively vaccinate against both EEE and West Nile Virus, keep animals indoors at night, and spray for mosquitoes.
