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Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus Confirmed in a Horse from Lancaster, MA
DATE: 8/18/10 CONTACT: Jim Garreffi TELEPHONE: 978 772 3335
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) announced today that EEE virus has been detected in a horse from Lancaster, Massachusetts. Three other horses, from Middleborough, Plympton and Warren, have already tested positive in Massachusetts this year. EEE was also recently diagnosed in a Rhode Island resident who was most likely exposed to the virus in southeastern Massachusetts. This is the first reported case of EEE in an animal in Lancaster this year.
EEE is a rare but serious illness spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. While EEE can infect people of all ages, people under 15 years of age or over 50 years of age are at greatest risk for serious illness.
By taking a few, common-sense precautions, people can help to protect themselves and their loved ones:
~Avoid Mosquito Bites
- Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours - The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Otherwise, take extra care to use repellent and protective clothing.
- Clothing Can Help~reduce mosquito bites. Although it may be difficult to do when it’s hot, wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
- Apply Insect Repellent~when you go outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Permethrin products are intended for use on items such as clothing, shoes, bed nets and camping gear and should not be applied to skin.~
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
- Drain Standing Water~- Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or getting rid of items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.~
- Install or Repair Screens~- Some mosquitoes like to come indoors. Keep them outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
Horse owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals and reduce their animals’ exposure to mosquitoes. Signs of illness in an animal should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
The Bolton Board of Health will continue to work closely with the MDPH and other agencies, and locally we are providing this information to help residents protect themselves and their families and we will provide additional information as it becomes available.
Information about EEE and reports of EEE virus activity in Massachusetts during 2010 can be found on the MDPH website at http://www.mass.gov/dph/wnv. Recorded information about EEE is also available by calling the MDPH Public Health Information Line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968).
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