Eastern Equine Encephalitis confirmed in Mobile County horse

MOBILE, Alabama -- A horse located in the 36582 ZIP code of Mobile County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, according to Dr. Bernard Eichold, Health Officer for the Mobile County Health Department.

MCHD’s Vector Control division monitors encephalitis in sentinel poultry flocks strategically placed throughout the county to detect the presence of viruses carried by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes also are trapped throughout the county and tested for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, West Nile Virus, and St. Louis Encephalitis. Aggressive surveillance and control activities are ongoing.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis and other mosquito-borne viruses such as West Nile are transmitted from bird to mosquito to bird. Mosquitoes can spread the viruses by feeding on the blood of infected birds and then biting another host animal or mammal such as a horse or human. Although humans and horses can become ill from the infection, the diseases can’t be spread from people or horses. The likelihood of transmission to humans and horses can be decreased by the use of an Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus vaccine in horses. There is no vaccine available for humans, Dr. Eichold said.

Eichold advises all horse owners to have their animals vaccinated against EEE and West Nile Virus, and to call their veterinarian immediately if signs of encephalitis are observed. Clinical signs vary, but they include depression, staggering, stupor, hyper-excitability, paralysis and coma.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis can be more dangerous to people and other mammals than other mosquito-borne viruses. However the same mosquito-prevention measures reduce exposures to all such viruses. Bites to children should be watched for secondary infections that need to be treated by a physician. Mosquito bites can be treated with topical agents such as calamine and menthol lotions. Cortisone creams and oral antihistamines are available as over-the-counter medications that can reduce itching.

Inspectors regularly check areas with standing water for mosquito breeding and treat as necessary using both portable and truck mounted equipment. The inspectors also respond to service requests from residents to inspect backyard areas as well as to treat identified breeding areas and to provide education. Because of large volumes of calls received daily, service requests are responded to on a first-call, first-served basis and may take a few days to be addressed, health officials said.