You’ve heard of West Nile virus, malaria, and other mosquito-borne diseases, but there’s a rare disease you need to watch out for. Eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, is on the rise in the United States this year and has affected multiple people across the northeast already.
The EEE virus is transmitted through mosquito bites and is more dangerous than West Nile virus. Despite the rarity of the EEE virus, it can be fatal. Signs of those infected with this mosquito-borne disease can include the following:
- High fever and chills
- Muscle pain
- Disorientation
- Headache
- Tremors
- Seizures
The symptoms usually occur 3-10 days after the bite happens. This virus that is a result of a mosquito bite can lead to brain inflammation and one in three cases results in death. There is currently no cure for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus.
In 2019 so far, three individuals in Massachusetts have died from the EEE virus. There have also been cases in Michigan, Rhode Island, and most recently New Jersey. The last major outbreak like this happened in 2012. Before that, there hadn’t been an outbreak of this size since the 70s. Many states haven’t had any human cases of the mosquito virus but have seen horses infected or have had mosquito samples test positive for the mosquito virus. It is important to note that this disease is much more common in horses than humans. Other states on alert include New Jersey, Connecticut, and New York.
While the areas affected are mainly in the northeast portion of the country, it is still best to take precautions if there are mosquitoes in your area. Health officials are urging people to stay indoors after sunset. Mosquitoes are most active around sunset and after, so you are more likely to get a mosquito bite at this time.
According to the Center for Disease Control, staying indoors is the best way to avoid being infected, but if you must go outside after sunset, there are other ways to prevent the mosquito virus. Lighting citronella candles, wearing bug repellent, or covering exposed skin may help control mosquitoes for a short amount of time. If you are looking for a more long-term solution, you can treat your property to help eliminate mosquitoes. Lawn Doctor’s mosquito control specialists offer the mosquito control protection you need to keep this increasingly serious mosquito virus at bay.
Learn more about our mosquito control services and how we can help keep your yard safe from the EEE virus by calling Lawn Doctor today.
