Wisconsin Residents Urged to Guard Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases Following EEE Case
As mosquitoes continue to buzz across Wisconsin, health officials have raised the alarm following a confirmed case of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a horse located in Portage County. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is advising locals to be proactive in preventing mosquito bites, as these insects can transmit EEE to both animals and humans.
EEE is a rare but potentially deadly disease caused by a virus that mosquitoes can spread after biting infected birds. Although the virus does not transmit from person to person or directly between animals and humans, it poses significant health risks. Symptoms in infected individuals may include fever, headache, chills, and vomiting. In severe cases, the disease can lead to encephalitis, disorientation, seizures, coma, or even death. With a fatality rate of about 30% among those who develop severe EEE, survivors often face long-term neurological challenges. The most vulnerable groups include adults over 50 and children under 15. Currently, there is no specific vaccine or treatment for EEE in humans.
As EEE persists in Wisconsin, DHS emphasizes the importance of reducing mosquito exposure and eliminating potential breeding sites. The risk of EEE, along with other mosquito-borne illnesses like the West Nile virus, will linger until a hard frost occurs, defined as temperatures dropping below 28 degrees Fahrenheit for at least four consecutive hours.
Preventing Mosquito Bites
- Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 on skin and clothing.
- Treat clothing with permethrin prior to outdoor activities, but avoid direct skin application.
- Consider rescheduling outdoor events during peak mosquito activity, usually in the evening or early morning.
- Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks to minimize skin exposure.
Protecting Your Home from Mosquitoes
- Ensure window and door screens are secure and free of holes to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Eliminate standing water from items like cans, containers, flower pots, and tires to prevent mosquito breeding.
- Turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small boats when not in use.
- Refresh water in bird baths and pet dishes every three days.
- Maintain swimming pools, saunas, and hot tubs by cleaning and chlorinating them regularly. Drain pool covers.
- Trim tall grass, weeds, and vines, as mosquitoes often rest in these areas during warm daylight hours.
For more information about EEE, other mosquito-borne illnesses, and additional prevention tips, visit the DHS website to learn how to Fight the Bite.
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