Somerset County Man Infected With Rare Mosquito-Borne Virus

SOMERSET COUNTY, NJ — An elderly Somerset County man is the first human to be infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis this summer. The mosquito-borne disease is a rare virus transmitted to people and horses by the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the New Jersey Departments of Health (NJDOH).

The man remains hospitalized for continued care.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been detected in 22 mosquito samples and in three horses in the southern and eastern parts of the state, the NJDOH said.

The virus is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the U.S. About one-third of people with Eastern Equine Encephalitis die from the disease and there is significant brain damage in most survivors, according to the NJDOH.

There is no vaccine for people, only horses.

Most people infected show no signs of being sick while in severe cases involving encephalitis — an inflammation of the brain — it will begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting four to 10 days after a mosquito bite. The illness may then progress to disorientation, seizures, or coma.

"Thankfully, human infections with Eastern Equine Encephalitis are rare, but we are concerned when we start seeing a lot of activity in mosquitoes and horses since this is a warning sign of risk for human infection," said Acting Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. "Anyone who is concerned they may have Eastern Equine Encephalitis should contact their health care provider right away."

In horses, the virus affects the brain causing fever, anorexia, depression, hypersensitivity, aimless wandering, head pressing, circling, paralysis and death.

Here are some tips to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use repellent: When outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing. The repellent/insecticide permethrin can be used on clothing to protect through several washes. Always follow package directions. Insect repellent should not be used on children less than 2 months old and oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children less than 3 years
• Wear protective clothing: Wear long sleeves/pants when weather permits
• Install and repair screens: Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out and use air conditioning if you have it

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