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A sample of mosquitoes from suburban Washington, New Jersey, was tested positive for West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), according to local authorities. This is the first sample to have a positive EEE test result in Warren County.
Basically, these mosquitoes could kill you.
The EEE is a virus that causes inflammation of the brain and, although rare, can be fatal.
Earlier this month, a Massachusetts woman died after being infected with EEE. West Nile virus also causes inflammation of the brain and is generally more prevalent than EEE, although EEE has a higher mortality rate.
New Jersey officials were already preparing to face an increase in West Nile virus this year. The first case of infection was reported on July 2 – the oldest ever recorded in that state. Last year, a record 61 people in New Jersey were reported to have been infected with West Nile virus.
But EEE has also made its presence known. The Washington suburban police department in an article on Facebook said that this year had been very active for EEE in New Jersey, with one human case recorded this year.
By comparison, the state had only registered one case in the previous nine years, between 2009 and 2018.
According to the CDC, about one-third of those infected with EEE die and there is currently no specific treatment for the virus. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus either.
Meanwhile, local police encourage residents to wear insect repellents. The Warren County Mosquito Control Board also plans to spray adult mosquitoes in the area where they took the sample.
But, as they say, prevention is better than cure, and the best way to prevent infections caused by EEE and West Nile is to not get bitten, in the first place, says the CDC.
In other words, stay inside, people.
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