VA: ADDITIONAL CASES OF EASTERN EQUINE ENCEPHALITIS
News Date August 18, 2009
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has confirmed the second positive case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse for 2009, as well as a suspected case in a goat.
The Virginia Department of Health reported that, to date, 101 mosquito pools in the Tidewater area have tested positive for EEE, as well as 30 sentinel chickens. “That could indicate that we are on track for one of our heaviest EEE years since Virginia began testing mosquitoes for EEE in 1998. This increases the risk of EEE transmission to people, particularly in the coastal regions of Virginia. Therefore, persons should minimize their exposure to mosquitoes. ”
For more information on EEE in animals, consumers should contact the Office of the State Veterinarian at 804.692.0601 or consult their local veterinarians. More information on EEE in humans is available from the Virginia Department of Health which has district offices in every part of the state. (Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm at (804) 786-7686)