Mosquito Borne EEE Found In Wisconsin; Linked To 5 U.S. Deaths

MILWAUKEE, WI – Health officials in Wisconsin say a hazardous type of mosquito-borne encephalitis that has led to illness and five deaths in other states has been found in Wisconsin.

In early August, Wisconsin officials confirmed that a horse in Barron County tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), Wisconsin's first confirmed EEE case this year.

The 22-year-old quarter horse mare had not been vaccinated against EEE, and was euthanized after showing neurological signs and becoming unable to rise. EEE and West Nile virus (WNV) are transmitted by mosquitoes that carry these viruses which can affect the nervous system, and may be fatal.

"While humans may also be infected by West Nile Virus and EEE, the viruses do not pass directly between people and horses. Mosquitoes carry the viruses from infected birds and the only route of transmission is from a mosquito bite," health officials in Wisconsin said. "Because the viruses follow mosquito populations, the threat varies depending on the weather but normally starts in mid- to late summer and remains until the first killing frost."

In 2018, Wisconsin had a total of two cases of EEE and three cases of WNV reported. In comparison, Wisconsin had a record 24 confirmed cases reported of each virus in 2017.

EEE Vexes People In Other States

According to a Patch report from Massachusetts, a Bristol County man in his 70s died after contracting EEE, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health announced Friday. This is the 10th confirmed case of EEE in Massachusetts this year. One of those cases led to the death of a Fairhaven woman. Among those diagnosed in this outbreak is a 5-year-old Sudbury girl who nearly died, before showing signs of improvement.

In Rhode Island, Patch reported that two cases of EEE were found in humans this week. Both of the patients were released from the hospital and are recovering, the department said.

In Connecticut, mosquitoes trapped in three cities tested positive for EEE, Patch has reported. And among those found with the virus are ones "known to bite humans," health officials said.

Additional precautions to avoid mosquito bites include:

• Be sure door and window screens are tight fitting and in good repair.

• While outdoors, wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Clothing material should be tightly woven.

• Use mosquito netting if sleeping outdoors.

• Consider using mosquito repellent when it is necessary to be outdoors and always use them according to label instructions. The most effective repellents contain DEET or Picaridin. Oil of lemon eucalyptus is also effective for brief periods of exposure.

• When using DEET, use the lowest concentration effective for the time spent outdoors (for example, 6% lasts approximately 2 hours and 20% for 4 hours) and wash treated skin when returning indoors. Do not apply under clothing, to wounds or irritated skin, the hands of children, or to infants less than 2 months.

Measures to reduce mosquitoes around the home include:

• Dispose of water-holding containers, such as ceramic pots, used tires, and tire Swings, clogged gutters.

• Drill holes in the bottom of containers such as those used for recycling.

• Change water in bird baths on a weekly basis.

• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, and cover pools when not in use.

• Use landscaping to eliminate areas where water can collect on your property.