More Eastern Equine Encephalitis Cases Confirmed

September 10, 2010

Alabama health officials have confirmed cases of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in three horses, including one in Escambia County, less than a month after a Molino horse was confirmed to have the disease.

Thursday, the Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed three positive cases of Eastern equine encephalitis in horses located in Escambia, Baldwin, and Washington counties.

A Molino horse named Spirit was euthanized in late August after showing symptoms of EEE, a diagnosis confirmed by laboratory tests, according to Katie Miller, spokesperson for the Escambia County (Fla.) Health Department. The horse was pastured on River Bend Road, near the Escambia River, near Fairgrounds Park.

EEE, West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes after they feed on birds. The same mosquitoes can then infect mammals, particularly humans and horses. Humans and horses can sometimes become seriously ill from the infection. Typically one or two human cases are reported each year in Florida, according to the Florida Department of Health. The state averages over 70 reported cases of equine EEE each year.

Miller said it is still a good idea to follow the “5-D’s ” of mosquito protection:

  • 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.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services said  the majority of cases of EEE and other mosquito-borne diseases in horses can be prevented through proper vaccinations.  Horse owners are urged to check with their veterinarian to make sure their animals have received current vaccinations and booster shots against EEE and West Nile Virus, and that these shots are kept up to date.

Pictured top: Jessica Mullins with Spirit, the Molino horse that contracted Eastern equine encephalitis. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

2 Responses to “More Eastern Equine Encephalitis Cases Confirmed”

  1. David Huie Green on September 13th, 2010 11:07 am

    yep, cute kid

  2. wonder on September 10th, 2010 4:52 pm

    Such a sweet photo. Hope she gets another Sprit. Beautiful horse.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News