Peabody horse first to die from Triple-E

PEABODY-A 1-year-old horse from Peabody has become the state?s first fatality from Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) this year.According to the Department of Public Health, the horse developed symptoms on Sept. 18 and died Sept. 19. As a result, the EEE risk level in the city has been increased from “remote” to “high.”No mosquitoes have ever tested positive for the EEE virus in Peabody, however, residents should remain vigilant with avoiding mosquito bites.?This latest development is an indication that we have reached the next level of risk for EEE,” said DPH State Epidemiologist Dr. Alfred DeMaria. “Horses and humans tend to get infected later in the mosquito season, once the virus has multiplied enough in birds and mosquitoes. The fact that a horse has gotten sick from EEE means that people are at increased risk as well.”Risk levels in the four neighboring towns of Danvers, Middleton, Lynnfield and North Reading have been increased from “remote” to “low.”Sharon Cameron, director of the Health Department said the city continues to work closely with the MDPH and with the Northeast Massachusetts Mosquito Control District to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses.Throughout the city, surveillance is performed twice weekly to identify EEE or West Nile Virus in mosquitoes. In addition, the city performs larviciding through treatment of catch basins and provides spraying of private residences on request, as well as education to residents about mosquito precautions.In response to the death of the horse, Camerson said the city will be performing selected spraying of areas as well as increasing surveillance.In 2008, there was one case of EEE, however there were 13 cases with six deaths from 2004-2006.The disease can affect people of all ages and can even cause death. The virus is usually spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although peak mosquito season has passed, residents are reminded that mosquitoes continue to be present until the first hard frost.To avoid mosquito bites, residents should be aware of peak mosquito hours from dusk to dawn and consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during the evening or early morning.Wearing long sleeved clothing, including long pants and socks when outdoors can help reduce mosquito bites, along with applying insect repellant when outdoors containing DEET. DEET, however, should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children.Mosquito-proofing homes is also an important. Draining standing water, checking rain gutters, emptying any unused flowerpots and wading pools, installing or repairing screens and frequently changing water in birdbaths are recommended.For more information, visit www.mass.gov/dph/wnv