Three Cases of EEE found in South Georgia

VALDOSTA, Ga. (WALB) – The Georgia Department of Public Health’s (DPH) South Health District has recieved three positive notifications of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

In Berrien County, a horse has tested positive, along with one mosquito pool in Irwin County, and another pool in Lowndes County, according to a release by Georgia DPH.

“These three positive notifications are spread out across our district, which tells us that EEE is present in our region,” said Chris Calhoun, District Environmental Health director. “We want to encourage everyone to take extra precautions to protect themselves against mosquito bites. While these notifications do happen most years, we must continue to take it seriously.”

DPH provided tips to prevent mosquito bites including:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing
• Wear long sleeves and pants when the weather permits
• Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flowerpots, buckets, barrels, wading pools, and other containers. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out
• Be sure to use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider indoor activities during these times due to peak mosquito-biting hours

“While it is not uncommon to have positive notifications for EEE in our region at this time of year, it also highlights the importance of remaining vigilant in protecting yourself against mosquito bites as they are the most common form of transmission for mosquito-borne illnesses,” the release said.

While there is no vaccine for humans to prevent EEE and West Nile Virus, there are vaccines available for horses. People are urged to consult their veterinarians to have their horse(s) vaccinated as early as possible.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.