by Dr. W. Mark Peluso
Late Summer and early Fall are times when risk for mosquito-borne illness increases in Vermont.
Mosquitoes recently collected in Cornwall have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE). EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Most people with EEE virus don’t get sick. But for those who do, they experience a
flu-like illness with fever, chills, body aches, and joint pain. The illness can be serious in some people, causing inflammation of the brain, hospitalization, and possibly death.
Mosquitoes recently collected in Vergennes have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV). WNV is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause disease in humans and some animals. West Nile virus has been has been found in all counties of Vermont and continues to be detected in mosquitoes each year. However, it is a relatively rare cause of illness in people.
The Health Department strongly urges people to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites:
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when you’re outdoors.
- Limit your time outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are more likely to bite.
- Use insect repellent labeled as effective against mosquitoes.
- Get rid of standing water. Mosquitoes breed in water that has been standing more than four days.
- Cover strollers and outdoor playpens with mosquito netting.
- Fix holes screens and make sure they are tightly attached to doors and windows.
Get more information at: www.HealthVermont.Gov/mosquito.
