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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MOSQUITO SAMPLE TESTS POSITIVE FOR EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS
Serves as a warning of possible EEE activity in birds
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus was identified in a mosquito pool
2009 Aug 26The Virginia Department of Health has notified the City’s Vector Control Section of the Department of Public Works that Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus was identified in a mosquito pool collected in the 1000 block of Harpersville Road in Newport News. The sample was taken on August 12, 2009. The EEE positive mosquito pool identified Culiseta melanura, a mosquito species that feeds only on birds and serves as an early warning indicator of EEE activity in the local bird population.
Newport News Vector Control had already begun city-wide truck mounted spraying earlier this week due to an increase in mosquito activity after the recent rains. Spraying will continue until mosquito activity decreases based on trap surveillance.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis is spread to birds, humans, horses, and other mammals through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito do not get sick. People who do get sick usually suffer a mild flu-like illness and those over age 50 are at greatest risk of serious illness, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain or meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord). Dr. David Trump, Director of the Peninsula Health District, urges all residents, especially people over age 50, to take action to prevent against and protect themselves and their families from mosquito-borne viruses such as EEE.
The Virginia Department of Health recommends the following tips to reduce exposure to mosquitoes:
- Check windows and door screens to ensure that mosquitoes can't enter your home.
- Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing.
- If possible, limit outdoor exposure between dusk and dawn.
- Use insect repellents with the smallest percentage of DEET necessary for the length of time you are exposed to mosquitoes, but no more than 50% for adults and not greater than 30% for children under 12.
- Turn over or remove containers in your yard where water collects, such as old tires, potted plant trays, buckets and toys.
- Eliminate standing water on tarps or flat roofs.
- Clean out birdbaths and wading pools once a week.
The City’s Vector Control Section can be reached at (757) 269-2700. Additional information is also available on the Virginia Department of Health's website at www.vdh.virginia.gov.
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