Mosquito-Borne Illness Detected In Georgia, Health Officials Say

GEORGIA — A potentially life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquitoes has been detected in south Georgia.

According to state health officials, two mosquito pools in Lowndes County have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

“While it is not uncommon for mosquito-borne illnesses to be identified within our communities this time of year, it is important that we not become complacent to the risks,” said Kenneth Lowery, district epidemiologist for the Georgia Department of Public Health. “Avoiding going outside during peak mosquito times and making sure you are taking precautions when you are outside are the best defenses against mosquito-borne illnesses.”

Georgia health officials said the EEE virus is rare in humans because it normally only circulates between birds and mosquitoes in swampy areas. However, mosquitoes that bite humans sometimes become infected and can pass the EEE virus to humans.

One out of every 20 people infected will show symptoms. Symptoms begin approximately three to 10 days after a mosquito bite. Persons who show symptoms experience a sudden onset of fever, muscle pains, and headache; many of these persons will also experience more severe illness that may include seizures and coma.

EEE is one of the most serious types of viral encephalitis, state officials said. Death occurs in approximately 50 percent of persons who develop encephalitis. As many as 70 percent of children who recover from eastern equine encephalitis are left with mild to severe disabilities.

Tips to prevent mosquito bites are:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picardin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when weather permits.
• Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flowerpots, buckets, barrels, wading pools and other containers. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.
• Be sure to use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider indoor activities during these times due to peak mosquito biting hours.

There is no vaccine for humans to prevent EEE and West Nile Virus, health officials said. For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov.