For the third time this year, officials have found a positive sample of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Atlantic County.

Officials with the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control say it was recently collected from the Elwood section of Mullica Township.

The first positive sample was collected from a horse farm in Hamilton Township in late September. The second was collected from a mosquito surveillance resting box in Corbin City earlier this month.

So far in 2020, the CDC has reported nine confirmed cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in people in the following states: Indiana (1), Massachusetts (4), Michigan (2), and in Wisconsin (2).

In 2019, several mosquito samples tested positive for EEE and an Atlantic County resident was one of three human cases statewide. In that case, County Executive Dennis Levinson told KYW-TV, "We cannot stress enough the importance of protecting yourself and your loved ones. We all need to do our best to ‘Fight the bite.’ And anyone who experiences symptoms following a mosquito bite should seek medical assistance."

Officials say Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious virus transmitted by mosquitoes to birds, horses, and other animals. Transmission to humans is possible.

County residents can help protect themselves from Eastern Equine Encephalitis by following standard, common precautions, like using insect repellent whenever outdoors, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and removing standing water to limit where mosquitoes may breed.

If you have any questions or concerns about Eastern Equine Encephalitis, contact the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

Sunset on the beach in Cape May County on the last day of summer, 2020

More From SoJO 104.9 FM