Communicable Disease Control & Surveillance

*To report dead birds, please contact your Local Health or Animal Control Officer. For information about WNV and EEE, call the DHHS information hotline at 1-866-273-6453**. Also see WNV and Birds.

EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The EEE virus grows in birds that live in freshwater swamps. The virus can be transmitted to horses, other animals, and, in rare cases, people. There are no symptoms in some people who are infected but severe symptoms in others including high fever, stiff neck, seizures, and coma. One third of those with severe disease die. Of those that survive, many suffer permanent brain damage and require lifetime institutional care.

WEST NILE VIRUS
West Nile Virus (WNV) was first seen in the U.S. in 1999, in the New York City area of Queens. Birds are the source of infection. Infected mosquitoes can transmit the virus to horses, other animals, and in rare cases, people. Most WNV infections do not cause any symptoms. Some people may experience mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches. A small percentage of people may develop serious disease that will result in convulsions, paralysis, coma, and sometimes death.

THE SPREAD OF EEE & WNV
EEE and WNV are spread to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected bird, it becomes infected. The infected mosquito could then bite a human and transmit the infection. Infected mosquitoes are the primary known source for WNV and EEE transmission to humans. These viruses are not spread by person-to-person contact such as touching, kissing, or caring for someone who is infected. No known transmission has occurred from birds to people; however, one should not handle birds or any dead animals with bare hands.

PREVENTION GUIDELINES FOR WEST NILE VIRUS AND
EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS

1. Eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding locations.
In warm weather, mosquitoes can breed in any puddle that lasts more than 4 days!

Remove old tires from your property.
Dispose of tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, or other containers. Don't overlook containers that have become overgrown by aquatic vegetation.
Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outside.
Make sure roof gutters are clean and draining properly.
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs. If not in use, keep empty and covered and keep covers free of standing water.
Aerate garden ponds or stock them with fish.
Turn over wheelbarrows and change water in birdbaths at least twice weekly.
Turn over plastic wading pools when not in use.
Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
Do not attempt to drain or alter natural water bodies for mosquito control, since the management of ponds and wetlands is regulated by the Department of Environmental Services and any planned alterations will require a permit before work may begin.

2. Be aware of where mosquitoes live and breed and keep them from entering your home.

Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Weeds, tall grass, and bushes provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes, including several species commonly associated with West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
Mosquitoes can enter homes through unscreened windows or doors, or broken screens. Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace all screens in your home that have tears or holes.
Resting mosquitoes can often be flushed from indoor resting sites by using sweeping motions under beds, behind bedside tables etc. and once in flight, exterminated prior to sleeping at night.

3. Protect yourself from mosquito bites.

If outside during evening, nighttime, and dawn hours when mosquitoes are most active and likely to bite, children and adults should wear protective clothing such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks.
Consider the use of an effective insect repellent, such as one containing DEET. Repellents containing 30% or less DEET (N,N-diethyl-methyl-meta-toluamide) may be used by adults and children over the age of 2 months. Children should not apply DEET to themselves. Repellents that contain Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus have also been determined to be effective. Use all repellents according to manufacturer's directions.
Vitamin B, ultrasonic devices, incense, and bug zappers have not been shown to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.