South Health District

A second horse in Lowndes County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-borne illness. Public Health Officials continue to encourage South Georgians to wear mosquito spray whenever outdoors to guard against these illnesses. Mosquito pools have also tested for EEE and West Nile Virus this season.

EEE and West Nile Virus are transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected person. Tips to prevent mosquito bites are:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picardin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when weather permits.
• Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels, wading pools and other containers. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.
• Be sure to use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider indoor activities during these times due to peak mosquito biting hours.

Horse owners are encouraged to get their horses vaccinated as soon as possible. There is no human vaccine for mosquito-borne illnesses. For more information visit www.cdc.gov.