Chatham County Mosquito Control has evidence that the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus is circulating in the mosquito population and as a result, Chatham County Health Department officials encourage residents to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites. Although EEE infection in humans is rare, finding EEE in the mosquito population indicates the potential of an increased risk to humans.
Horses are susceptible to EEE which is a mosquito-borne virus that causes swelling of the brain. In horses, it is fatal 70 to 90 percent of the time. There is a vaccine that can protect horses from EEE and horse owners are encouraged to get their animals vaccinated. Horse and large animal owners are also encouraged to clean out watering sources, such as buckets and troughs, every three to four days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding there.
West Nile Virus and the Chikungunya virus are also transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes. About 80 percent of people infected with WNV will not show any symptoms at all; however, cases can range from mild to severe. Mosquitoes that carry the West Nile Virus are more likely to bite during the evening, night, and early morning. The most common symptoms of Chikungunya are fever and joint pain and symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. No human cases of EEE, WNV, or Chikungunya have been reported in the Coastal Health District.
Mosquitoes breed in standing water which is why it is important to remove containers or other items that can hold water from the yard. The following tips can help lessen the risk of getting bitten by mosquitoes:
- DRAIN all standing water.
- Avoid DAWN and DUSK when mosquitoes are most active.
- DRESS appropriately in long sleeves and pants.
- DEFEND or DEET yourself against mosquitoes with an effective repellent. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide long lasting protection.
- DOORS and windows should be in good condition.
