First Case of EEE Found in an Atlantic County Resident
Residents Urged to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites
The first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in an Atlantic County resident has been confirmed by the New Jersey Department of Health. Atlantic County officials urge residents to continue to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Eastern Equine Encephalitis is one of several mosquito-borne illnesses that also include West Nile Virus. To date, two Atlantic County residents have been confirmed for West Nile Virus. All three individuals are currently under medical care.
“This is an extremely active season for mosquito-borne illness, not only in New Jersey but throughout the country,” said Atlantic County Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been detected in 65 mosquito samples in 13 New Jersey counties. Other human cases have been confirmed in Somerset and Union counties. Eastern Equine Encephalitis has resulted in five deaths in Michigan, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Transmission of EEE is most common in and around swamps in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and in the Great Lakes region, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Most persons infected with EEE have no apparent illness, however, some can be very ill. Severe cases of EEE begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite. The illness may then progress to disorientation, seizures, or coma.
Diamond noted that while there is no EEE vaccine for humans, individuals can help reduce the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, removing standing water from their surroundings, cleaning gutters of water and debris, and installing and repairing window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of dwellings.
Infections are seasonal, mostly from late spring through early fall. Cases rarely occur in winter.
“We cannot stress enough the importance of protecting yourself and your loved ones,” County Executive Dennis Levinson said. “We all need to do our best to ‘fight the bite.’ And anyone who experiences symptoms following a mosquito bite should seek medical assistance.”
Levinson also assured residents that the county’s mosquito and public health staff will continue to conduct surveillance, implement control measures and provide public education.
For more information about Easter Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus, visit www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971.
If you need assistance in removing stagnant puddles or floodwater from your property, call the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.
More Mosquito Samples Test Positive for West Nile Virus
Additional mosquito samples collected from Hammonton and Northfield have tested positive for West Nile Virus, according to the Atlantic County Division of Public Health. They were collected from Mill Run Drive and Horton Street in Hammonton and from Ridgewood Drive in Northfield.
Residents are once again reminded to take measures to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illness by reducing their exposure to mosquito bites.
Atlantic County has reported two human cases of West Nile Virus and one human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis this year. All three patients are receiving medical attention.
Residents and business owners can take steps to reduce mosquito populations on their properties by emptying or changing outdoor standing water at least weekly to stop mosquito breeding. Areas that may need attention include flower pots, birdbaths, clogged rain gutters, plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows, and any containers or trash that may be difficult to see such as under bushes, homes or around building exteriors. Contact with mosquitoes can also be reduced by using air-conditioning when possible and ensuring window screens are in good repair.
Individuals should also use an insect repellent whenever going outdoors and avoid going outdoors at dusk when mosquitos may be more active. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the use of products containing active ingredients which have been registered aby the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as repellents applied to the skin and clothing and approved for efficacy and human safety when applied as directed. Be sure to follow product directions carefully and consult with your healthcare provider prior to using on children.
For more information about West Nile Virus, visit www.aclink.org/publichealth or call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971. If you need assistance in removing stagnant puddles or floodwater from your property, call the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.
