Arboviruses

EEE is a rare disease, but can occur in humans and horses. In North Carolina, it is more common in the eastern part of the state than in other areas. The viral illness, transmitted by some species of mosquitoes, attacks the central nervous system, causes inflammation of the brain and can be fatal to animals and humans. Wild birds serve as reservoirs for the virus. Mosquitoes bite the birds and then can transmit the virus to humans and animals.

North Carolina averages about one human case of EEE each year. About fifty percent of human EEE cases are fatal, with young children and the elderly most at risk.

Symptoms can develop from a few days to two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito. They include rapid onset of fever and headache and can resemble a case of the flu. Survivors of EEE infections may suffer from long-term effects to the nervous system. Therapy is limited to treating the symptoms of the disease, but there is no specific cure. There is a vaccine for horses but not for humans.

The best defense against EEE infection is to avoid mosquito bites. Reduce time spent outdoors, particularly in early morning and early evening hours when mosquitoes are most active; wear light-colored long pants and long-sleeved shirts; and apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin areas.

To reduce mosquito breeding areas around your home:

• Remove any containers that can hold water;
• Keep gutters clean and in good repair;
• Repair leaky outdoor faucets and change the water in bird baths and pet bowls at least twice a week;
• Use screened windows and doors and make sure screens fit tightly and are not torn.
• Keep tight-fitting screens or lids on rain barrels.

For more information:

• North Carolina Public Health recommendations for safe use of personal insect repellents
• North Carolina Public Health Pest Management web site
• CDC Arbovirus Website: Arboviral Encephalitides, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• EEE in horses and other equines: Veterinary Division Disease Alerts, N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Press Releases

Arbovirus Topics

• Arboviruses
• West Nile virus (WNV)
• La Crosse encephalitis (LAC)
• Precautions for minimizing pesticide exposure during mosquito-control spraying
• Preventing Mosquito Bites
• Safe Use of DEET Insect Repellent (for Adults and Children)
• School Use of DEET Insect Repellent

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