Re: Massachusetts - Eastern Equine Encephalitis - 2 human cases
August 27, 2010 - For immediate release:
State Public Health Officials Confirm First Human Cases of EEE and West Nile Virus in Massachusetts Residents
Risk of mosquito-borne illness remains high; people urged to use bug spray and cover up
Dr. Alfred DeMaria, DPH State Epidemiologist, will be available at 5:30 today at the Hinton State Lab ? 305 South Street, Jamaica Plain
BOSTON ? The Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the first cases of West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Massachusetts residents. The first case is a 46-year-old female from Suffolk County who has been diagnosed with West Nile virus (WNV). The patient developed symptoms on August 18 and was hospitalized on August 20. Her condition has since improved and the patient is expected to be discharged soon.
The second case is a 43-year-old man from Plymouth County who has been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). The patient developed symptoms on August 21 was hospitalized on August 23, and remains hospitalized. His exposure to a mosquito infected with EEE likely occurred in the southeastern section of Massachusetts, which has been identified as an area of elevated risk for mosquito-borne illness. Aerial spraying has been conducted in Plymouth County.
WNV is also usually spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There have been 10 human cases of WNV in Massachusetts during the last five years. WNV can infect people of all ages but people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease.
There were no human cases of EEE during 2009; however there were 13 cases with 6 deaths from 2004 through 2006. EEE is usually spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito with symptoms beginning five to seven days later. EEE is a serious disease in all ages and can even cause death.
"Every year, we always hope that there won't be any cases of either of these mosquito-borne illnesses", said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Alfred DeMaria. "But when they occur they serve to remind us of how important it is to take steps to protect ourselves and our families. We always recommend that people use mosquito repellant and cover up when outdoors, no matter where they are."
People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.
Avoid Mosquito Bites
?Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning.
?Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
?Apply Insect Repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-methane 3, 8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535 according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Mosquito-Proof Your Home
?Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change water in birdbaths frequently.
?Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly-fitting screens on all of your windows and doors.
More information is available on the DPH website at
www.mass.gov/dph. Information about West Nile Virus (WNV) and EEE is also available by calling the DPH recorded information line at 1-866-MASS-WNV (1-866-627-7968), or the Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2p...lease&f=100827_first_human_cases&csid=Eeohhs2
