Wednesday, September 23, 2020

Positive EEE Sample Found in Hamilton Township

A mosquito sample collected from a horse farm in Hamilton Township has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, according to the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control.

The office has been surveilling the area for several weeks after an unvaccinated horse on the farm tested positive for the disease.

The Office of Mosquito Control is now planning to perform an adulticide as the weather permits.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious virus transmitted by mosquitoes to birds, horses and other animals, as well as to humans.

In 2019, several mosquito samples tested positive for EEE and an Atlantic County resident was one of three human cases statewide.

County residents can help protect themselves from EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus, by following standard precautions. These include using an insect repellent whenever outdoors to avoid mosquito bites and removing standing water from their properties where mosquitoes may breed.

 

County News