Infectious Disease Epidemiology Program
Vector-borne Diseases
Eastern Equine Encephalitis FAQs
Question 1) What is Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
A) Eastern equine encephalitis
is a rare but serious disease caused by the Eastern equine encephalitis virus. If a mosquito infected
with the virus bites a horse or human, the animal or person can become sick.
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Question 2) How is Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus spread to humans?
A)
The virus that causes eastern equine encephalitis is spread only by mosquitoes. People and horses with
eastern equine encephalitis do not spread the disease.
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Question 3) Who is at risk of getting Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
A)
All residents of Maine who reside in areas where Eastern equine encephalitis virus has been identified
in recent years are at risk of getting infected. People younger than 15 or older than 50 years of age
have the highest risk of severe disease, if bitten by a mosquito that has the virus. However, please
note NOT all mosquitoes can spread eastern equine encephalitis.
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Question 4) What are some of the signs of Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
A)
The first signs of eastern equine encephalitis may include high fever (103ºF-106ºF), stiff
neck, headache, lack of energy, and inflammation of the brain. The disease gets worse quickly and some
patients may go into a coma within a week.
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Question 5) How soon do signs of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus
infection appear?
A) Signs of eastern equine encephalitis show up three to ten days after a person
is infected.
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Question 6) How is Eastern Equine Encephalitis diagnosed?
A) Eastern
equine encephalitis can only be diagnosed by a doctor. If you think you have any of the signs above,
you should make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as you can. If your doctor suspects that
you may have eastern equine encephalitis, he or she will take your blood sample and draw a special
fluid from your spinal cord (cerebral spinal fluid). Your doctor will then send these samples to the
Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory for specific tests to be done to see if you have
the virus that causes eastern equine encephalitis.
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Question 7) What is the treatment for Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
A)
There is no cure for eastern equine encephalitis. However, supportive care is recommended to lower
fever and ease pressure on the brain.
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Question 8) Is there a vaccine I can get for Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
A)
Currently there is no human vaccine approved for eastern equine encephalitis. However, vaccination
for horses can be obtained by contacting a licensed veterinarian.
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Question 9) Is the risk of getting infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis
getting higher or lower each year?
A) The risk of getting infected with eastern equine encephalitis
in Maine is relatively low at the current time. However, prevention methods are still stressed because
infection is always possible.
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Question 10) What time of year am I most likely to get infected with
Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
A) People are at the highest risk of getting infected with eastern
equine encephalitis between the months of May and October.
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Question 11) How can I protect myself and my family from getting infected
with Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
A) You can protect yourself and your family from eastern equine
encephalitis virus and other mosquito-borne viruses by taking the following actions:
- Use insect repellent that contain DEET
- Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks when outdoors
- Install or repair window screens
- Avoid being outdoors at dawn or dusk
- Drain standing water
More information about personal protection can be found by using the “Mosquito-borne
Disease FAQ” or by going to the federal
CDC website 
.
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Question 12) Do all mosquitoes spread Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus?
A)
No, most mosquitoes do not spread the virus that causes eastern equine encephalitis.
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Question 13) Where do mosquitoes live and breed?
A) Mosquitoes lay their
eggs in moist areas, such as standing water. The eggs become larvae that remain in the water until
the adults mature and fly off. Weeds, tall grass, and shrubs provide an outdoor home for adult mosquitoes.
They can also enter houses through unscreened windows or doors, or broken screens. Many mosquitoes
will breed in containers that hold water, such as flowerpots or discarded tires.
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Question 14) How can I reduce the number of mosquitoes around my home
and my neighborhood?
A) To reduce mosquito populations around your home and neighborhood, get rid
of any standing water that is available for mosquito breeding. Mosquitoes will begin to breed in
any puddle or standing water that lasts for more than four days. Here are some simple steps you can
take:
- Get rid of or regularly empty any metal cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots, and other water
holding containers (including trash cans) on your property.
- Pay special attention to discarded tires that may have collected on your property. Stagnant water
in tires is a common place for mosquitoes to breed.
- Drill holes in the bottom of recycling containers that are left outdoors, so that water can drain
out.
- Clean clogged roof gutters; remove leaves and debris that may prevent drainage of rainwater.
- Turn over plastic wading pools and wheelbarrows when not in use.
- Do not allow water to stagnate in birdbaths; aerate ornamental ponds or stock them with fish.
- Keep swimming pools clean and properly chlorinated; remove standing water from pool covers.
- Use landscaping to eliminate standing water that collects on your property
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Question 15) I found a dead bird in my backyard. How do I report it?
A)
As of 2007, Maine CDC has discontinued dead bird reporting. Dead birds should be safely disposed of
as noted in the answer to Q16, below.
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Question 16) How do I handle the dead bird that I found?
A) When
handling a dead bird use plastic or latex gloves, a shovel, or doubled plastic bags to pick up the
bird. If you are storing the bird, place the bird in a plastic bag and move it to a cool, dry place
like your garage or basement. Do not place the bird in your personal refrigerator, freezer, or cooler.
If you are disposing of the bird, you may bury the bird 18 inches deep or put it in your trash. Contact
your local town official before placing any dead animal in the trash. When finished handling the bird,
wash your hands with soap and water.
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Question 17) Can my pet be infected?
A) If you have any questions
about the health of your pet or other domestic animals you should call the state veterinarian at the
Department of Agriculture at 207 287 7613 or 207 287 7615.
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Question 18) What is the Maine CDC doing to protect Maine residents
from getting infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis?
A) The Maine CDC has developed a surveillance
system to track the occurrence of eastern equine encephalitis and other arboviruses, generally beginning
in mid-June and lasting through to mid-October. Surveillance efforts include adult mosquito trapping
and testing, collecting dead bird data, testing dead birds, llamas, alpacas, and horses, and testing
people who are ill with symptoms similar to those of an arbovirus infection. In addition, the Maine
CDC has been collaborating with other state agencies, health professionals and non-governmental groups
to work together since 2000 to increase awareness and promote preventive measures.
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