A case of Eastern Equine encephalitis, a mosquito-borne virus that can infect humans, has been found in a horse in Wayne County.
EEE is a dangerous disease that can cause severe brain damage, coma, and death and has a one-third mortality rate in humans, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. It has an even higher mortality rate in horses, and the infected horse from Wayne County is now dead.
Fortunately, though the mortality rate of EEE is high, the infection rate is low, with an average of five human cases per year. There have been only approximately 220 confirmed cases of EEE in the U.S. between 1964 and 2004.
The virus is passed from birds to mosquitoes, who then pass it to humans and horses. Both humans and horses are considered "dead-end" carriers of the virus, meaning that, once infected, they do not pass the disease to other mosquitoes.
The discovery of EEE in a horse does not necessarily mean that the risk of humans contracting the virus is higher than it was in previous years, said Dr. Alison Moore of Seal-Laird Veterinary Hospital, because "the bird population is not carrying the virus any more in one year than any other year."
What the discovery does mean, though, is that mosquito season is in full swing. The Wayne County case is a reminder that mosquitoes are active, that they can make you sick, and that precautions should be taken to protect against EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus.
Dr. Moore's advice, "Be conscious of staying indoors or spraying if you have to go out."
Indeed, the best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place.
The CDC recommends spraying with an effective mosquito repellent, staying indoors when mosquitoes are biting, wearing protective clothing, and getting rid of standing water to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
The Mississippi State Department of Health has identified two types of mosquito-borne illnesses found in Mississippi. The most common are West Nile Virus and St. Louis encephalitis. LaCrosse encephalitis and EEE are also found in Mississippi but are less prevalent.
According to the health department Web site, "very few human cases of EEE have ever occurred in Mississippi."
Still — that doesn't mean people should not heed the old warning "better safe than sorry." Taking a few simple measures to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses could keep you from getting sick or even save your life.
Mosquito-borne illnesses in Miss. (Source: Miss. DOH):
West Nile virus: WNV has been reported in Mississippi in horses, birds, mosquitoes and humans. In humans, WNV infection can lead to dangerous conditions such as meningitis or encephalitis. Anyone can get WNV, but people over 50 years of age are more severely affected. Approximately 3 percent to 15 percent of people with WNV die. Unlike other mosquito-borne illnesses, certain species of birds (especially crows and blue jays) can also get sick and die from the disease, as can horses.
St. Louis encephalitis: SLE causes illness only in humans. Historically, it has been the most common disease carried by mosquitoes in Mississippi. SLE primarily affects the elderly, occurring in summer and early fall. SLE rarely causes death, although approximately 15 percent of the patients with severe symptoms die.
LaCrosse encephalitis: LAC can cause illness in humans, though it is more common in the midwestern U.S. rather than Mississippi. Cases occur from spring to fall, usually affecting children under 16 years of age. Only about one percent of people who become ill with LAC die.
Eastern Equine encephalitis: EEE causes illness in humans, horses and some birds. Very few human cases of EEE have ever occurred in Mississippi. Most infections occur in horses, from spring to fall. People of all ages can get the disease, but children are more likely to have severe illness or die. Approximately 30 to 60 percent of those who become ill with EEE die.
Local News
Case is a reminder to be careful around mosquitoes
- Local News
-
-
City cuts payment to Watkins
The Meridian City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to cut their monthly payment to David Watkins, project developer of Meridian's new police station, by $9,999 until work resumes on the project.
The order, made during the Meridian City Council meeting Tuesday morning, included a mutual agreement between the councilmen and Watkins to reduce the project developer's monthly consultant fee of $10,000 to $1, effective Tuesday. -
Crews work on gasoline pipeline
If you hear a loud, booming sound early today, between 4 a.m.-10 a.m., there is no cause for alarm.
Workers with Plantation Pipeline will be performing maintenance work on their 30-foot gasoline pipeline in the Meridian area to accommodate the widening of Highway 493. The location of the work activity will be at Highway 493 North and Oak Hill Baptist Church, just inside the city limits. -
Team Spirit
-
High Honor
The flowers and balloons Crestwood Elementary School Principal Kimberly Kendrick received at school Monday were not an early Valentines' Day gift.
Kendrick has been named Meridian Public School District's 2012 Administrator of the Year – an announcement that both surprised and wowed the 17-year veteran educator when made by MPSD Superintendent Dr. Alvin Taylor. -
Master Dance Class
-
Digital system promises better communication
Hopefully in the near future you won't hear someone in the emergency services ask over the radio, "Can you hear me now?"
A digital communications system, one which is being pushed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), is a few months away and, in some cases, is already in the testing phase in Lauderdale County. -
Inmate escapes custody
Mississippi Department of Corrections officials said Monday afternoon an inmate escaped from custody Friday and is still being sought.
Officials said Johnny Hall Jr. escaped from two Wilkinson County Correctional Facility officers’ custody while being escorted from his father’s wake at the Picayune Funeral Home in Picayune. Preliminary information indicates Hall left the officers and jumped into a waiting black vehicle with a white female driver. -
Citizen’s Police Academy begins today
The work law enforcement conducts on a daily basis is often misunderstood by the general public.
Officials at the Meridian Police Department developed a program to inform and educate citizens on what police do in serving and protecting the population. The program, The Citizen's Police Academy, has been gaining speed for a couple of years since it was first offered. Officials said it shows residents are interested in police work and how it is conducted. - Woman: decongestant brought meth charge in Alabama
-
Star Of The Week: Dominique Goodwin-Jenkins
- More Local News Headlines
-
City cuts payment to Watkins
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
