# 4774
Over the past decade there have been an average of about 7 cases (not deaths) of `Triple E’ (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) in the United States each year (range range: 3—21), which makes EEE an exceedingly rare disease in humans.
What makes EEE such a concern is that it has a high fatality rate (35%), and among the survivors, a high percentage suffer ongoing neurological problems.
Among the mosquito-borne encephalitis viruses, however, it runs a distant third when compared to the number of California serogroup (predominantly La Crosse virus (LACV)) and St. Louis Encephalitis (SLEV) cases.
MMWR Domestic Arboviral Diseases 1999-2008
Given its rarity, it is therefore a bit surprising that Florida has just recorded its fourth EEE death for the month of July (My thanks to the reader who alerted me to this latest victim).
LCHD ISSUES MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS ADVISORY
LEON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT ISSUES MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS ADVISORY
--Medical director urges precautions against mosquitoes--
Tallahassee-- The Leon County Health Department announces that there has been increased mosquito-borne disease activity in Leon County. “We have had a confirmed human death due to Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE),” said Dr. Marjorie Kirsch, medical director, and,“the risk of transmission of mosquito-borne viruses to humans is increased.” A Leon County horse has also been recently diagnosed with EEE.EEE virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. It isn’t spread person to person. An average of six human cases of EEE are reported each year in the United States.
The Leon County Health Department reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that may cause disease. Leon County Mosquito Control and the Leon County Health Department continue surveillance and prevention efforts and encourage everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure. More Info Available
This update was submitted at 7/31/2010 6:04:43 PM
While obviously a concern, and certainly worthy of public discussion, it is only fair to point out that the odds of contracting EEE from a mosquito in Florida are extremely low.
And while the spotlight right now is focused on Florida, this isn’t just a problem for the sunshine state.
The graphic below shows that while Florida leads the pack that over the years Massachusetts, New Jersey, Georgia, and Louisiana have seen their share of cases as well.
Given its severity (and the prevalence of other mosquito borne diseases like West Nile, Dengue, SLEV), it makes sense to take steps to protect yourself and your family.
Yesterday I wrote about the Aedes Albopictus or `Asian tiger’ mosquito’s willingness to move in, and breed inside your home (see Making Themselves At Home).
So today would be a good day to go around and look for likely breeding places in, and around your home. This should become a weekly habit – at least during mosquito season.
I’ve repeated the Florida Department of Health’s mantra that to help protect themselves against mosquito borne diseases people should practice the "5 D's"
Don't go outdoors at DUSK and DAWN when mosquitoes are most active.
DRESS so your skin is covered with clothing
Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET to bare skin and clothing.
Other effective repellents include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535
Empty containers and DRAIN standing water around your home where mosquitoes can lay eggs.
Today I’ve got a new resource for you.
An interactive insect repellant search engine developed by the EPA that will that will allow you to input your needs and it will spit out the best repellants to use.
(click image to go to search engine)
Since knowledge is power, and prevention is a far better strategy than trying to cure a disease, here are some some of my earlier blogs on EEE:
Third Florida EEE Death in July
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
And here is a list of recent Dengue/Arbovirus posts as well:
ASTMH: Dengue and Insect-Borne EIDs In The US
Update On The Florida Dengue Cases
Dengue Reports From The Caribbean
MMWR: Dengue Epidemic In Puerto Rico
MMWR: Dengue Fever In Key West
Related Post:
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