FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Dee W. Jones, D.V.M., (800) 338-8374
Recent cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in horses
located in Escambia and Elmore counties have prompted public
health officials to remind people to be aware of mosquito-borne
viruses. In Alabama, the principal mosquito-borne viruses are
EEE, West Nile (WNV), and St. Louis encephalitis (SLE).
Additionally, viruses such as chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis
and dengue have been reported, but thus far all cases have been
related to travel to the Caribbean or other tropical
climates.
So far this year, there has not been a human case of EEE
identified in Alabama; however, one case of WNV and one case of
SLE have been reported.
The positive horses were confirmed by the Alabama Department
of Agriculture and Industries following testing at the State
Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. The departments work closely
together to monitor viral encephalitis cases in veterinary
species such as horses and birds, so that people can be take
appropriate mosquito prevention steps.
According to Dr. Dee W. Jones, State Public Health
Veterinarian, the significance of positive horses means the virus
is present in the mosquito population. He warns that the same
mosquitoes that infect the animals also pose a risk to humans.
The virus can only be spread through the bite of a mosquito, so
positive horses do not increase the viral activity in the area,
nor increase the risk to humans.
Mosquito-borne infections pose a health risk to all
Alabamians, particularly during the summer months, because of
warm weather and periods of heavy rainfall. For most of the
state, mosquitoes are more abundant from late spring to early
fall.
Human cases vary dramatically from year to year; the exact
reason is not known. Dr. Jones added, "With all the outdoor
activities in the warm weather months it may not be possible to
avoid mosquitoes by staying indoors, but it is more practical to
reduce mosquito bites with the use of widely available
repellants.”
The following are practical strategies for reducing mosquito
exposure:
- Stay indoors if possible, especially during the dusk and dawn
hours, when mosquitoes are most active.
- If you go out during the dusk and dawn hours, wear light-
colored, tightly woven, loose clothing, and insect repellent.
- Wear enough insect repellent to cover skin and clothes that
contain one of the following EPA-registered ingredients: DEET,
Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD or IR3535.
- Contact your health care provider with concerns about
repellents.
- Do not use repellents under clothing.
- Never use repellents over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
- Spray repellent on hands first and then apply it on children
and faces. Do not apply to eyes, mouth, and apply sparingly
around ears.
- After returning indoors, wash treated skin and clothes with
soap and water.
- Keep window and door screens shut and in good condition.
Repair holes.
- Inspect your yard for places a mosquito could use to breed.
Eliminate breeding sites.
- Dispose of containers that collect water, like buckets, cans,
bottles and jars.
- Repair leaky pipes and outside faucets, unclog drains and
gutters.
- Empty and scrub birdbaths, pet bowls and animal troughs to
get rid of mosquito eggs.
- Dispose of unused tires. Overturn wheelbarrows, tubs, wading
pools or store them under cover when not in use.
- Keep weeds, vines and grass trimmed.
- Fill tree holes with sand or mortar.
- Change water in flower vases and pots twice weekly.
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8/22/14