Lambton Public Health is reminding people to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites after the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture confirmed a case of eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) in a local horse on September 20th. EEEV is not a reportable disease in Ontario, and no mosquito traps have tested positive for it in Lambton County. However, local surveillance has found the presence of West Nile Virus (WNV) in the area this year, with a mosquito trap and a local resident testing positive for WNV.
Both EEEV and WNV are usually found in wild birds and mosquitoes, but they can be spread to horses and, rarely, to humans through mosquito bites. Humans cannot get EEEV from another horse or person. Horses can be vaccinated against EEEV, but there is no vaccine for humans. While rare, EEEV can cause serious neurological problems and even death in humans.
The best way to protect yourself from both EEEV and WNV is to prevent mosquito bites. This includes avoiding areas with lots of mosquitoes, especially from dusk to dawn when they are most active. Wearing light-colored clothing and using insect repellent with DEET or Icaridin can also help.
To reduce mosquito breeding around your home, drain standing water, get rid of old tires, turn over items like buckets and wheelbarrows, change the water in bird baths weekly, and keep eavestroughs clear to prevent water from getting trapped.
Written by: K. Milhomens