First Case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Found in an Atlantic County Resident

The first human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in an Atlantic County resident has been confirmed by the New Jersey Department of Health.

According to authorities, Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) is one of several mosquito-borne illnesses; West Nile Virus being another. To date, two Atlantic County residents have been confirmed for West Nile Virus.

In a press release, Atlantic County Public Health Officer Patricia Diamond says, “This is an extremely active season for mosquito-borne illness, not only in New Jersey but throughout the country.”

Officials say EEE has been detected in 65 mosquito samples in 13 New Jersey counties. Other human cases have been confirmed in Somerset and Union Counties. The disease is being blamed for five deaths in Michigan, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Most people with EEE have no apparent illness, however, severe cases of EEE begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite. The illness may then include disorientation, seizures, or coma.

Officials urge everyone to continue to reduce the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito by using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants when outdoors, removing standing water, cleaning gutters, and installing and repairing window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out of buildings.

For more information about EEE or West Nile Virus, you can call the Atlantic County Division of Public Health at (609) 645-5971. If you need assistance removing stagnant water, contact the Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.

SOURCE: Atlantic County press release, 9/20/19