Grady reports Eastern Equine Encephalitis Posted: July 13, 2009 04:41 PM
ALBANY, GA (WALB) - A horse in Grady County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a disease that can cause severe illness and death in humans. The virus is spread the same way as West Nile, through the bite of an infected mosquito. District Health Director Jacqueline Grant says this case confirms that the virus is circulating in our district. The mosquitoes in Atlanta that transmit the virus to horses can give it to people, too. It generally takes from 3 to 10 days to develop symptoms after being bitten by an infected mosquito. More information on Easter Equine Encephalitis, also known as Sleeping Sickness. Encephalitis is one of the deadliest mosquito-borne illness.
One third of the people who contract it will die. Symptoms range from mild flu-like illness to inflammation or swelling of the brain, coma and death. Of those who survive, half will have permanent neurologic damage. There are no human vaccines to protect you from the illness, so your best protection is to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Use insect repellent Avoid outdoor activity at dawn and dusk, the time mosquitoes are most active Wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors during times mosquitoes are active empty outdoor containers that collect standing water Repair screens on windows and doors. A vaccine is available to protect equines, so owners should have their animals vaccinated. For more information about our mosquito control service in Atlanta, contact us today! ©2009 WALB News. All rights reserved.