Wisconsin sees first Eastern equine encephalitis virus activity of the year

Wisconsin health officials are urging residents and visitors to take immediate steps to prevent mosquito bites following the confirmation of the state's first Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus activity of the year. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection confirmed that a horse in Portage County tested positive for the virus, indicating that infected mosquitoes are active in the state and capable of transmitting the disease to humans and other animals.

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but exceptionally severe disease transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, which contracts the virus by feeding on infected birds. The virus cannot be transmitted directly between humans, directly between animals, or between animals and humans. Approximately 30% of individuals who develop severe EEE disease do not survive, and many survivors face long-term neurological complications. Those at the highest risk for severe disease include adults over the age of 50 and children under the age of 15. Currently, there is no vaccine or specific treatment available for humans.

To mosquito-proof your home, ensure that all window and door screens are intact and tightly fitted to prevent pests from entering. You should eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds by regularly removing stagnant water from items around your property, including tin cans, plastic containers, flowerpots, discarded tires, and roof gutters. When they are not in use, turn over wheelbarrows, kiddie pools, buckets, and small watercraft like canoes or kayaks. Additionally, change the water in bird baths and pet dishes at least once every three days, keep swimming pools, outdoor saunas, and hot tubs clean and chlorinated, and drain any water that collects on pool covers. Finally, keep tall grass, weeds, and vines trimmed or mowed, as mosquitoes often use these areas to rest during the hot hours of the day.