Rare Mosquito-Borne Virus Found In Berkeley Heights

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ — Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), the rare mosquito-borne disease, has been found in a mosquito pool in Berkeley Heights, authorities said on Tuesday night.

"EEE can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under the age of 15 are at particular risk. EEE does not occur every year, but based on the mosquito sampling, a moderate risk of occurrence of human cases currently exists," Berkeley Heights Health Officer said.

The rare virus can be transmitted to people and horses by the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the New Jersey Departments of Health (NJDOH). (See Related: Deadly Mosquito Virus That Infects Brain Quadruples In NJ)

The mosquito pool found in the Emerson Lane area near the Warren border tested positive for EEE during routine testing by the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control. As a result the EEE risk level was raised to moderate by the Union County Mosquito Control Bureau and Berkeley Heights Township.

Union County will continue to aggressively spray throughout the township, especially in areas most prone to heavy mosquito population.

"We strongly encourage residents to use caution when outside," said Office of Emergency Management Coordinator Anthony Padovano. "Wear protective clothing, get rid of standing water around your house, and be sure to use adequate bug spray."

As of Sept. 17 no other positive tests of EEE were found in Union County. However, most recently in August, an elderly Somerset County man was the first human to be infected with EEE this summer. (See Related: Somerset County Man Infected With Rare Mosquito-Borne Virus)

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.

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.

For more information on EEE risk visit the NJ Department of Health website here.

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