US health officials are warning about mosquito-borne illnesses after two deadly mosquito-borne outbreaks, one of which has hospitalised Dr Anthony Fauci.
Many have heard of West Nile fever, which recently hospitalized Dr. Fauci for a week. Now, another lesser known mosquito-borne disease is causing concern, with Massachusetts health officials urging residents to do all they can to avoid insect bites.
The increased urgency comes after an elderly man in the state was infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), leading the city of Plymouth to close its parks and open spaces from dawn to dusk, when the insects are most active, and four other towns in the state have advised residents to avoid going out at night.
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Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare disease with an average of only 11 cases reported per year. Symptoms of the disease include fever, vomiting and seizures.
However, there is no vaccine or treatment for EEE, and according to the CDC, about 30% of those infected die.
West Nile fever is less common than EEE, with about 1,000 people hospitalized with the virus each year. There have been 216 cases in 31 states so far this year, according to CDC data.
Severe cases of West Nile virus infection can infect the nervous system, including the brain, and symptoms, as in Fauci's case, include fever, chills and fatigue.
Fauci is expected to make a full recovery.
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To protect yourself from mosquitoes, experts recommend:
Use insect repellent Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants Install screens and air conditioners to prevent insect bites indoors Remove standing water
Finally, Adrienne Rogers, executive director of the Pasco County, Florida, Mosquito Control District, says mosquitoes “love abandoned containers in yards,” including clogged gutters, flower pots, buckets and wheelbarrows, all of which can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes after Florida's severe storms.
