Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)

08/30/22 - EEE in Horse Reported in Jefferson County.pdf

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain. It is spread by the bite of a mosquito infected with EEE virus (EEEV). EEEV can also infect a wide range of animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The spread of EEEV to mammals (including humans and horses) occurs through the bite of infected mosquitoes that feed on both birds and mammals. There are no human vaccine for EEE. Prevention of mosquito bites is the most important way to reduce your risk.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

• Cover your skin as completely as possible when outside when mosquitoes are present and active. Wear long sleeves, pants and socks.
• Use insect repellent on exposed skin and follow label directions.

  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the active ingredients below. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.

    • DEET
    • Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the US)
    • IR3535
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
    • Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
    • 2-undecanone
• Make sure there are screens in your home's windows and doors. Make sure the screens are free of rips, tears and holes.
• Eliminate all standing water on around your home and property where mosquitoes can breed.
  • Remove tires from your property.
  • Get rid of outdoor containers that hold water.
  • Clean clogged rain gutters and make sure they work properly.
  • Turn over wheelbarrows and wading pools when not in use.
  • Clean chlorinated swimming pools, outdoors saunas and hot tubs.
  • Drain water from pool covers.

More Information on EEE

EEE Brochure.pdf

New York State Department of Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Jefferson County Agricultural Information and Events Page