July 9, 2009

Hampton Chicken Tests EEE Positive

Routine testing of sentinel chickens in the northeast section of Hampton revealed that one was infected with the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus. EEE is transmitted by mosquitoes, which may infect humans, horses, and birds. Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Human EEE infection is rare. There have been only five cases in Virginia since the first case in 1975. The most recent case was in 2003. Although rare, human EEE infection kills 30 percent to 70 percent of its victims. Milder and asymptomatic infections occur, but these are not common. Hampton's Mosquito Control Division has increased its mosquito surveillance, treatment, and spraying in that part of the city. In addition, the Air Force Aerial Spray Team just finished spraying that part of the city. The mosquito season runs until the first frost in the fall. People can help prevent mosquitoes from biting them with the following precautions. Both these precautions and the city's spraying efforts are important.

• Wear long, loose, light-colored clothing.
• If possible, stay indoors when mosquitoes are biting, especially around dusk.
• Make sure there are no holes in window, door, or porch screens.
• Use insect repellants with DEET in them.  Parents can follow the directions and apply DEET to children, but not to children’s hands, (which may go in their mouths).
• Get rid of containers or catchment places in your yard which collect water, or drain them.  Mosquitoes can breed in just a few ounces of water.  Drain and refill birdbaths, pets’ water dishes, wading pools, and similar items at least weekly.

These precautions will protect you against EEE and other diseases carried by mosquitoes, such as West Nile Virus, and protect you against the annoyance of mosquito bites as well.

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Media Contact: Rebecca Bolte, Public Communications Manager