Person Tests Positive For Mosquito-Borne Illness In Atlantic County

ATLANTIC COUNTY, NJ — South Jersey officials are warning residents to be cautious after an Atlantic County resident tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), the first human case of the mosquito-borne illness since 2019.

The news of the human case comes a day after NJ Department of Agriculture officials announced that a 15-year-old horse, also from Atlantic County, died from the disease. Read more: Mosquito-Borne Illness Kills Horse In Atlantic County: Officials

Additionally, mosquito samples collected from the 400 block of Oak Avenue in Hammonton and the 700 block of Harding Highway in Buena Vista Township were confirmed positive for West Nile virus on Aug. 8, according to a news release from the county. No human cases of West Nile virus have yet been reported in Atlantic County this year.

EEE and West Nile virus are transmitted by infected mosquitoes. This is the first human case of EEE in the state since 2019, as the illness is most typically found in horses. The patient is under medical care and is recovering, according to county officials.

EEE is rare in humans, according to the NJ Department of Health. Most people infected with EEE have no apparent illness.

"Severe cases of EEE (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting," the Department of Health said. "The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, or coma."

The disease has about 33 percent mortality and significant brain damage in most survivors, the Department of Health said. There is no specific treatment for EEE; care is based on symptoms.

Atlantic County officials are conducting mosquito surveillance and implementing additional control measures.

They shared the following tips to reduce the risk and spread of mosquito-borne illnesses:

* Use an insect repellent whenever going outdoors. Repellents are an important tool to assist people in protecting themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control recommends the use of products containing active ingredients that have been registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for use as repellents applied to 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 child’s doctor prior to using on children.

* Rid properties of mosquito breeding grounds by draining standing water.

Mosquitoes do not travel far from where they breed. Buckets, bird baths, flower pots and other containers can hold water and provide an ideal environment for mosquitoes. Be sure to empty these containers regularly.

* Clean clogged gutters; check and repair screen doors.

For more information about mosquito-borne illness, visit the Atlantic County web site at: atlanticcountynj.gov or call the Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971. If you need assistance eliminating mosquito habitat on your property, call the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.