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ROXBURY, NJ – According to Morris County officials, mosquitoes have been found in Roxbury, infected with the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus, a pathogen that in severe cases can cause death in the man.
The township was one of three in Morris County where the EEE virus was discovered. Other positive sampling results came from Jefferson and Wharton, according to the county. He said that out of 464 mosquito samples taken, 10 were positive for the virus.
A horse in Morris Township has tested positive for the EEE virus, but officials said they could not determine the location of the animal when it was bitten by the infected mosquito.
The EEE is a "rare but serious viral infection," county officials said. The disease is more prevalent in the eastern half of the United States and is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
EEE can affect humans, horses and some birds. According to the State Department of Health, the risk of obtaining EEE is highest from late July to early October.
The Morris County Mosquito Control Division continues to spray against mosquitoes and collect samples, which are being analyzed for West Nile virus and EEE. More recently, spraying took place in Chester Township on September 16th. Bridge Avenue in Chatham Township, North Main Street in Long Hill, Main Street in Long Hill, Passaic River Park in Long Hill and Weldon Road in Jefferson are being treated today.
People are advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites. The officials proposed the following ways to protect themselves:
- Use an EPA approved insect repellent
- Avoid periods of intense activity of mosquitoes at dawn and dusk
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
- Remove stagnant water from your property
- Report stagnant water to the local mosquito control agency
EEE symptoms appear three to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, according to the DOH. They include fever, headache, sore throat, stiff neck, lack of energy, muscle aches and confusion – which can be mild. In severe cases, there may be swelling of the brain that can lead to coma, convulsions and death.
The EEE is transmitted only by mosquitoes and can be diagnosed by a blood test. People are encouraged to contact health professionals for questions or concerns.
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