Maine CDC and MDIFW Identify Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a Wild Bird

Maine people and visitors urged to protect themselves given elevated mosquito activity

AUGUSTA -- The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) announced today that a wild turkey from Burnham tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE). This is the first animal in Maine to test positive for the virus this year. It is also the third mosquito-borne virus found in animals or mosquitoes this year. There are no reported cases of EEE in humans in Maine this year.

Maine, along with much of the Northeast, is experiencing an active mosquito-borne disease season. This is the earliest in the year that reports of all three mosquito-borne viruses endemic to Maine have been detected in the state either in mosquito pools or animals. This is the second consecutive year that all three viruses have been detected in Maine. So far this year, the Maine CDC and MDIFW have found and detected WNV in 15 birds, EEE in one bird, and Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) in four mosquito pools in the state.

These viruses spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and can infect humans as well as animals. The virus cannot spread from human to human, or from human to animal.

"Mosquitoes are a nuisance, yes, but they can also carry dangerous diseases if an infected bug bites a person or an animal," said Maine CDC Director Puthiery Va. "We want Maine people and visitors to be aware of the elevated mosquito activity and take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones."

While many infected people have no symptoms, mosquito-borne illnesses can cause serious outcomes including death. Severe symptoms can include brain swelling (encephalitis) and inflammation of the spinal cord (meningitis). If you experience any of these symptoms, call a health care provider.

Maine people and visitors are urged to take these steps to protect against EEE, JCV, and WNV:

  • Wear long sleeves and long pants.
  • Use an EPA-approved repellent on skin and clothes. Always follow the instructions on the label.
  • Use screens on windows and doors.
  • Be sure to follow the above steps at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Drain artificial sources of standing water around the home to remove habitat in which mosquitoes can lay eggs.

To help prevent mosquito-borne diseases in pets, talk to your veterinarian. Horse owners can protect their horses with vaccines against EEE and WNV.

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