UPDATE: Health Dept. warns of new viral threat from Vermont mosquitoes
August 18, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout The Vermont Department of Health announced late on Friday that mosquitoes sampled from ponds in Alburgh and Swanton earlier this month have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. As a result of the presence of the serious and potentially deadly infection, Vermonters are urged to take precautions against getting mosquito bites.
This news comes just over a week after state public health officials said mosquitoes from Alburgh and Vergennes were found to carry West Nile Virus, another mosquito-transmitted disease (scroll down for the earlier post).
These are the first detections of EEE in mosquitoes in Vermont since 2015, according to the Health Department. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets collects mosquitoes at locations throughout the state for testing at the Department of Health laboratory in Burlington. So far this season more than 824 mosquito pools have been sampled, state officials said. The positive EEE samples were collected on Aug. 8.
The EEE virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Public health officials say that the risk of infection is highest from late summer into fall. It takes four to 10 days after being infected to develop symptoms. Most people infected with EEE will have no or mild symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue, joint and body aches. However, in rare instances EEE can result in severe illness − including encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. EEE is fatal in about one-third of people who develop severe EEE disease, and many who recover are left with disabilities. People with symptoms or who suspect exposure are encouraged to contact their health care provider as soon as they feel sick.
There have been no human cases of EEE in Vermont reported this year. The last confirmed cases were in 2012 and resulted in the death of two people. A 2010 study detected antibodies to EEE in deer and moose throughout the state, indicating the virus is widely present in the environment and in wildlife populations.
“EEE can be life-threatening. It’s important that people take this seriously and take measures now to protect themselves and their families from getting mosquito bites,” said Vermont Health Commissioner Mark Levine, M.D. “These results are site-specific, but we know from experience that West Nile virus and EEE can potentially be found in many places around Vermont.”
There is no specific treatment or human vaccine for EEE. The best way to protect against getting it is to avoid getting mosquito bites. (see the original post below)
Agriculture officials say that this summer’s wet weather and statewide flooding have led to larger than usual mosquito populations. The public is asked to remove standing water where possible to help limit places where mosquito larvae can hatch and grow into adults. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flowerpots, buckets, barrels and other containers. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and on their side when not being used.
More information about EEE is online at HealthVermont.gov/Eastern-Equine-Encephalitis. And more is online about preventing mosquito bites at HealthVermont.gov/Prevent-Mosquito-Bites.
Original post is below
Alburgh, Vergennes mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus
August 12, 2022 | By Waterbury RoundaboutMosquitoes collected in Alburgh and Vergennes during the week of July 24 have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Vermont Department of Health.
So far this season, 824 mosquito pools – groups of up to 50 mosquitoes of the same species collected from the same site – have been tested and these were the first detections of West Nile virus in Vermont.
There have been no reported human or animal cases of West Nile virus disease so far this year. Health Department officials say the last confirmed human case was in 2021.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Historically, the virus has been found in all counties of Vermont from June through October, but the risk is highest in late summer and early autumn.
Mosquitoes are collected throughout Vermont by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and tested at the Health Department Laboratory in Burlington. This effort occurs every summer and early fall to help keep Vermonters informed about the risk of diseases from mosquito bites, like West Nile virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis, the Health Department said.
Most people who are infected with West Nile virus do not experience any symptoms. Some people will have fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or a rash. While far less common, few people infected will develop serious illnesses, such as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). People aged 60 and older and those with certain medical conditions are at greater risk for serious illness. Anyone who experiences these symptoms should contact their health care provider.
Since 2002, there have been 17 human cases of West Nile virus reported in Vermont. There have been no human cases of the more deadly Eastern equine encephalitis since 2012.
“We expect to find West Nile virus in mosquito pools during the summer months,” said state Public Health Veterinarian Natalie Kwit. “Fortunately, most people infected will never have symptoms, and cases of West Nile virus have been rare in Vermont. But West Nile virus and other diseases spread by mosquitoes can be serious for some people, and there's no vaccine or specific medicines available for West Nile virus infection. The best protection is to take simple measures to protect yourself and family from mosquito bites.”
To prevent mosquito bites, the Health Department suggests wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants outdoors, limiting time outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, covering strollers and outdoor playpens for small children with netting, and fixing holes in window and door screens.
It’s also important to get rid of standing water in places such as gutters, tires, play pools, flowerpots and bird baths as mosquitoes breed in water that has been standing for more than four days.
Health officials also advise choosing an insect repellent labeled as effective against mosquitoes. The EPA has a tool to help find the right repellent for you. These can also protect against tick bites.
Horse owners should consult with their veterinarians and make sure their animals are up to date on vaccinations for EEE, West Nile and other viruses spread by infected insects or ticks. Horses cannot spread EEE or West Nile viruses to humans or other horses, but the viruses can cause neurologic disease and death in unvaccinated animals. In 2018 an unvaccinated horse died from West Nile virus and in 2012, two unvaccinated horses died from EEE.
More information about mosquito surveillance, diseases and prevention, is online at healthvermont.gov/mosquito.