VT Agency of Agriculture Notice on the EEE Virus

The Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) Virus has been detected in mosquito pools collected in Franklin and Grand Isle Counties.  One horse death associated with these detections was reported.  The Vermont Department of Health and The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets are evaluating response options.   Industries that have employees that work outdoors can take steps to minimize employee exposure to this disease.  There is no approved vaccine for people or preventive medicine. The best way to prevent EEE is to prevent mosquito bites.

• Avoid outdoor activities at dawn or dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Information on mosquito repellents is available at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents
• The repellent/insecticide permethrin can be used on clothing to protect through several washes. Always follow the directions on the package.
• Wear long sleeves and pants when weather permits.  Bug Bafflers are also available for field staff. They can get hot in the field, but hood zips open for air.

It is also important to reduce exposure at home.  Follow the advice above. Also:

• Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
• Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flowerpots, buckets, barrels, and other containers. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out. Keep children’s wading pools empty and, on their sides, when they aren’t being used.

For more information, please go to the Vermont Department of Health’s website addressing EEE, https://www.healthvermont.gov/disease-control/mosquito-borne-diseases/eastern-equine-encephalitis.