Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Warning
Posted: Jul 29, 2003
Health officials are sending out warnings concerning EEE. A man in Georgia died from the disease in late June, and Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have reported the highest number of horse cases of EEE in years. The disease kills almost all unvaccinated horses.
EEE is a serious disease that can lead to encephalitis, and is considered to be more deadly than West Nile Virus in humans and horses. EEE is transmitted by mosquitoes that pick up the virus from infected avian populations.
Although human cases are infrequent, the human fatality rate can be as high as 50%. Experts warn that EEE is expected to continue moving up the east coast, and are warning people to use similar precautions against EEE as they would against WNV. These precautions include wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent while outdoors and getting rid of mosquito habitats, such as standing water, around the home.
The Department of Environmental Protection in Pennsylvania has reported that the wet spring weather has led to an abundance of mosquitoes in the state this year. Horse owners in the northeast and mid-Atlantic areas should be informed that EEE may be more of a risk than usual this year and that the vaccine is available and effective. They should also be reminded of the availability of the West Nile Virus vaccine. There is no vaccine available for humans against WNV or EEE.
Animal Health Emergency Management and Information Network
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services
John I. Enck, Jr., V.M.D., Director
c-animalem@state.pa.us
Telephone No: 717-783-6677
Fax No: 717-787-1868
