Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe symptoms such as brain infections. In the United States, few human cases are reported each year. According to the CDC, in 2018 only 6 human cases were reported nationwide. Since 2009, only 10 have been reported in Massachusetts and in 2019 it was detected in Massachusetts. Areas where cases are common include the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states, as well as those around the Great Lakes Region. Although this disease is rare, it is important to recognize the symptoms and take preventative measures against this mosquito-borne illness.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms tend to develop 4 – 10 days after an infected mosquito bites and can range from mild to stronger symptoms. The symptoms include:
Fever
Chills
Muscle aches
Headache
Discomfort
Drowsiness
Nausea
Seizures
Although, anyone can contract this disease, those under the age of 15 and over 50 are at a higher risk of a severe case of EEEV. If you or anyone you know starts to show any of the above symptoms it is important to contact your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.
Prevention and Control
There are various precautions you can take to further protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases.
Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts
Wear repellent with DEET
Eliminate standing water from your property to eliminate mosquito breeding sites
Keep grass, shrubs, and bushes neatly trimmed
Mosquito barrier control treatments like those provided by Mosquito Joe
Mosquito Joe not only treats your property, our trained and licensed technicians also inspect your property for potential mosquito breeding grounds and provide recommendations to eliminate these problem sources. Mosquito Joe of of Braintree-Weymouth offers both synthetic and all-natural mosquito solutions to give you and your family and extra layer of protection against mosquito-borne diseases. Call us at 781-848-6212 for a fill out a request form online for a free quote!