Eastern Equine Encephalitis

What is EEE?

EEE stands for Eastern Equine Encephalitis which is a mosquito disease that dissolves the brain and some other organs in your body depending on where the

EEE gets injected into your body.

What should you do to prevent EEE?

You can use either Anvil Spray to reduce the risk of

catching EEE or use pharmacy bug repellent. Anvil spray is a product

that controls mosquitoes and outdoor and

recreational areas. If you have any open water such as in buckets, chairs, etc. you should empty them

out to prevent mosquitoes around it.

What are the rates of death in the United States? And in which regions?

There were approximately 220 confirmed cases in the US 1964-2004. The

average number of cases is 5 per year, sometimes ranging

from 0-15 cases. It is most commonly found in the eastern part of

the United States, that’s how it got its

name.

Can my pets be harmed by it? If so, how can I prevent it?

EEE is a disease that attacks the central nervous system in many types of animals, but is more common in birds and horses. In order to prevent to prevent EEE on your animals, there is a vaccine you can have given to your animal. The key to prevent it is the not have open water at dusk or dawn near your animal.

What should you do if you are present during EEE?

The best thing to do if there is an outbreak of EEE is to stay inside. Make sure all

of your doors and windows are closed or screened;

preventing anything from coming in or out. If you do decide to go outside wear

bug repellent and you shouldn’t go out at dusk or dawn because that is when mosquitoes are often out.

What should you do after the disaster?

After the disaster occurs you should check with your doctor to make sure that you haven’t caught EEE.

You should also watch the news for any more information. Open water such as in containers

outside, lakes, tires, etc. attract mosquitoes that could possibly carry EEE.

When does EEE occur most often?

EEE occurs between June and September. During dusk or dawn, mosquitoes are usually always out

which some may contain the disease.

If I get bitten by a mosquito that is infected with EEE does that necessarily mean I’m going to be

ill with the disease? If not, what makes one person more susceptible then others?

EEE can be incredibly dangerous, but you don’t always get the infection that it could carry.

Many people who get infected with the virus don't get sick at all. Others may only develop a mild flu-like illness. It's the rare person that goes on to develop

EEE or encephalitis with swelling of the brain and a high risk of dying. Kids under 15 and adults over 50 tend to be at the highest risk of getting sick.

Also, people who spend a lot of time outdoors in areas where EEE mosquitoes are at higher risks.

By Alisha Martin and Asia Bixby.