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May 6, 2008
Pat Kuehn, APR
Community Information Specialist
Stefany Strong
Public Information Officer, VCHDHORSES, CHICKENS TEST POSITIVE FOR ENCEPHALITIS
Seven horses and three chickens in Volusia County have tested positive for the eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus this year. Two additional horses were diagnosed with EEE based on symptoms.
The Volusia County Health Department continues a public health advisory issued in February for mosquito-borne illness and urges residents to take precautions against mosquito bites.
No human cases of EEE have been reported in Florida this year. According to the Florida Department of Health, zero to five human cases are reported annually in the state.
Jonas Stewart, mosquito control director for Volusia County, said all the infected animals were found between Tomoka Farms Road and the St. Johns River. “Mosquito numbers are low right now because it’s still cool and we’ve had little rainfall,” Stewart noted. “We likely will see more positive chickens and horses when rain increases.”
EEE is a mosquito-borne viral disease and the most serious form of encephalitis in North America. It afflicts horses, but it also can affect humans and some species of birds. The disease has a 90-percent fatality rate in horses.
According to Stewart, the county’s surveillance program works by placing 48 “sentinel chickens” in coops in 12 locations in or near Volusia County cities. Staff members from the Mosquito Control division collect weekly blood samples and send them to a lab for testing. The samples are checked for a number of mosquito-borne viruses including EEE virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus and West Nile virus.
Infected chickens don’t die from the diseases, but they develop antibodies within 10 days of being bitten by an infected mosquito. These antibodies can be detected with a simple blood test.
EEE virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito, and it usually takes three to 10 days to develop symptoms, which include sudden fever, headache, vomiting, unusual visual sensitivity to light, stiff neck and back, confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness, difficulty walking, and irritability.
Horse owners should contact their veterinarian for information on vaccination of horses against mosquito-borne diseases.
Tips on mosquito protection
The Florida Department of Health and Volusia County Health Department caution people to remain diligent in their personal mosquito-protection efforts. These should include the “five D’s” for prevention:
- Dusk and Dawn - Avoid being outdoors during dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are seeking blood.
- Dress - Wear clothing that covers the skin.
- DEET - When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET are recommended. Products with concentrations of up to 30-percent DEET generally are recommended for most situations. It is not recommended to use DEET on children under 2 months old. Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes are present. Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other repellent options.
- Drainage - Check around your home to rid it of standing water in which mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
Eliminate breeding sites
To eliminate mosquito-breeding sites, Stewart offers these suggestions:
- Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
- Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to drain.
- Turn over or remove empty plastic pots and buckets.
- Pick up all beverage containers and cups.
- Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
- Pump out bilges on boats.
- Replace water in birdbaths and animal-feeding dishes at least once a week.
- Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
- Stock minnows in ponds and stormwater retention areas.
For more information about eastern equine encephalitis, please visit www.cdc.gov or www.volusiahealth.com.
For more information about local surveillance, please contact Stewart at (386) 212-7181.
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