The Lakewood Scoop "NJ Department of Health Confirms This Summer's First Human Case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis" The heartbeat of the lakewood community



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The New Jersey Departments of Health (NJDOH), Environmental Protection (NJDEP), and Agriculture (NJDA) Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a rare virus transmitted to people by the dead of an infected mosquito.

The DOH has confirmed the first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis this summer in an elderly Somerset County man. The man was hospitalized but discharged for continued rehabilitation care.

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To date, Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been detected in 22 mosquito samples and in three horses in the southern and eastern parts of the state.

Most people infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis have no apparent illness, however some can be very ill. Severe cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite. The disease may then progress to disorientation, seizures, or coma.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the US About one-third of people with Eastern Equine Encephalitis. While there is a vaccine for horses, there is no vaccine for people.

Clinicians are asked to consider Eastern Equine Encephalitis in their complaints. Laboratory testing for Eastern Equine Encephalitis is only available at the State Public Health and Environmental Laboratories.

"Thankfully, human infections with Eastern Equine Encephalitis are rare, but we are concerned when we start seeing a lot of activity in mosquitoes and diseases," said Acting Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. "Anyone who is concerned they may have Eastern Equine Encephalitis should contact their health care provider right away."

Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is the best defense against infection with Eastern Equine Encephalitis and other mosquito-borne viruses. There are several steps you and your family can take to control and control mosquito-borne diseases.

Prevent Mosquito cocks:

Use repellent: When outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of eucalyptus lemon on exposed skin and / or clothing. The repellent / insecticide permethrin can be used to protect against several washes. Always follow package directions. Insect repellent should not be used on children less than 2 months old and oil of eucalyptus lemon should not be used on children less than 3 years
Wear protection clothing: Wear long sleeves
Install and repair screens: Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes and air conditioning if you have it

NJDEP works with county mosquito control agencies to conduct testing for viruses in mosquitoes each year. NJDEP is working closely with county mosquito-control agencies, expanding trapping and testing mosquitoes for Eastern Equine Encephalitis this season.

"Controlling New Jersey's mosquito population is a major part of protecting our health," said DEP Commissioner Catherine R. McCabe. "Through strong state and local partnerships, we are able to greatly reduce the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. The public has to do its part, too. Dumping out standing on your property is a long way to reducing mosquito by limiting where they grow. Wherever you go, you can check the flower pots, the pet food and the water dishes, the birdbaths, the swimming pools and other places that can reduce the risk of mosquito bites and the illnesses they can carry. "

In horses, Eastern Equine Encephalitis causes inflammation of the brain tissue, and produces clinical signs such as fever, anorexia, depression, hypersensitivity, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, paralysis and death. Eastern Equine Encephalitis infections are considered "dead-end" hosts.

"Horse owners need to be vigilant in vaccinating their animals against diseases spread by mosquitoes," said New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher. Eastern equine encephalitis. Vaccinations are the most effective and effective equine vaccines are commercially available. Horse owners may also consider housing mosquito and mosquito repellents and fans.

Mosquitoes can lay eggs even in small amounts of standing water. You and your family can take the following steps:

Empty standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels, and tires. Change the water in the bathroom and replace the water in the baths weekly. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Empty children's wading pools and wheelbarrows on their side after use.

Dispose of water-holding containers that have accumulated on your property, especially discarded tires
Drill holes in the bottom and elevate recycling containers that are left outdoors
Clean up any trash or gutters at least once a year
Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with fish
Clean and chlorinate swimming pools that are not being used. Mosquitoes can even be found in the water
Use landscaping to eliminate water on your property

This July, the Department of Health launched its Bite NJ awareness campaign to continue to promote awareness and provide education throughout the world on how to avoid mosquito-borne illness. Social media and online advertisements encourages residents to take steps to protect against mosquito bites.

Clinicians are required to report human and other conditions in 24 hours of diagnosis (www.localhealth.nj.gov). The local health department can assist clinicians with EEE testing at the New Jersey Public Health and Environmental Laboratories.

Residents who need assistance controlling their homes or homes, or 888-666-5968.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis, like other viral diseases affecting a horse's neurological system, must be reported to the state veterinarian at 609-671-6400 within 48 hours of diagnosis.

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