Potentially-deadly EEE in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware
A potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus has been found in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. The virus is called Eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE or Triple-E. It has been confirmed in mosquitoes in Carbon, Erie, and Monroe counties.
Three people in Atlantic, Somerset, and Union counties in New Jersey have been sickened by EEE and more than a dozen horses have been put down according to 6ABC.
People are encouraged to move any outdoor activities indoors that occur at dusk in any effected counties.
Six people have died from the virus this year in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Michigan.
The virus is carried by birds and when a mosquito bites an infected bird the virus can be spread to horses, other birds, and humans. Although rare in humans, EEE can be life threatening and often times the symptoms are mild and resemble the flu.
EEE can cause swelling of the brain and symptoms often include:
- The symptoms include:
- High fever (103 to 106F)
- Stiff neck
- Headache
- Lack of energy