News: Long County Horse Tests Positive for EEE
April 23, 2008
LONG CO., GA - A horse in Long County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a mosquito-borne viral disease commonly referred to as EEE (pronounced triple-E). No humans have been diagnosed with the disease in Georgia this year. "Triple-E is one of the more serious mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S.," says Coastal Health District Director Dr. Doug Skelton.
Human infection of EEE is rare. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), coma and death. About 35% of people who develop EEE will die, and another 35% will have neurological deficits.
There have only been 4 human cases of EEE in Georgia since 2003. "The good news is that human cases of EEE don't happen often," says Robert Thornton, District Epidemiologist for the Coastal Health District. "But that doesn't mean we should let our guard down," Thornton adds.
As with any mosquito-borne illness, remembering the 5 "Ds" of prevention is your best defense.
1. Dusk - Mosquitoes carrying EEE usually bite at dusk and dawn.
2. Dawn - Avoid outdoor activity at dusk and dawn if possible. If you must be outside, be sure to protect yourself from bites.
3. Dress - Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
4. DEET - Cover exposed skin with a repellent containing the chemical DEET, which is the most effective against mosquito bites.
5. Drain - Empty any containers holding standing water, because they can be excellent breeding grounds for virus-carrying mosquitoes.
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