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The EEE virus, which has a mortality rate of about 33% in humans, was found in three horses and a group of mosquitoes from Elkhart County.
From the Indiana Department of Health:
INDIANAPOLIS – Public health officials urge residents of Indiana to protect themselves from mosquito bites in case of detection of the activity of equine encephalitis virus from the east. (EEE) in northern Indiana.
Since mid-August this year, three horses and a group of mosquitoes from Elkhart County have been tested positive for the EEE virus. No human case of EEE virus infection has been reported in Indiana in 2019; However, three human cases have been reported this year in southwestern Michigan, including one fatal.
"The EEE virus, or triple E, is rare but extremely serious. This can lead to long-term complications or even death, "said Jennifer Brown, MD, MPP, Public Health Veterinarian of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH). "You can protect yourself from the EEE virus and other viruses by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites when you spend time outdoors. You can also reduce the risk to yourself and your neighbors by eliminating mosquito breeding sites on your property. "
Public health officials recommend the following preventative measures:
• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are active (especially in the late afternoon, from dusk to dawn and early morning)
• Use an EPA-approved insect repellent containing DEET, picaridine, IR3535, lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol on exposed clothing and skin.
• Cover exposed skin with a hat, long sleeves and long pants where mosquitoes are particularly active, such as wooded areas.
• Install or repair mosquito nets on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home
You can eliminate mosquito breeding sites from your property by doing the following:
• Discard old tires, aluminum cans, ceramic pots or other containers that may contain water.
• Repair faulty septic systems
• Drill holes at the bottom of the recycling containers left outside
• Keep grass cut and shrubs trimmed
• Clean clogged gutters, especially if leaves tend to clog drains
• Replace water frequently in pet bowls
• Periodically rinse ornamental fountains and bird baths
• Air ornament pools or store them with predatory fish
Although rare, the EEE virus can cause serious illness and has a mortality rate of about 33% in humans. Many people who recover can still experience long-term complications. Symptoms of EEE virus disease include chills, fever, body aches and joint pain. Some people develop a more serious form of the disease that affects the nervous system and causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). People under the age of 15 and over 50 are at greatest risk of acquiring a serious illness if they are infected with the EEE virus. People who think they have the EEE virus should consult a health care provider.
For the latest results from the ISDH mosquito monitoring program, visit https://gis.in.gov/apps/ISDH/Arbo/. To learn more about the EEE virus, visit the ISDH website at https://www.in.gov/isdh/28258.htm.
Visit ISDH at www.StateHealth.in.gov or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.
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