Two area residents hospitalized with EEE

There are now at least two human cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in area hospitals. According to a story in the Burlington Free Press this morning, two people from the Addison and Rutland County area are being treated after the presence of the EEE virus was confirmed.
About a week earlier, as reported here, West Nile virus and EEE virus was detected by Vermont health officials at two mosquito pools in our town of Whiting. Residents were warned to take precautions against mosquito bites.

The state is now considering aerial spraying of insecticides over the area where EEE was found. An aerial spraying program could begin as early as next week, weather permitting.
Health Commissioner Harry Chen released a statement saying, "The severe form of EEE is a terrible disease, and we want to take every reasonable action to prevent people from becoming infected." Chen noted that the viruses could continue to spread through mosquito bites until the first freeze. While insecticides should reduce the risk, Chen warned residents to continue to take personal precautions against mosquito bites.
The EEE illness can take two forms. A person may experience chills, fever, pain in muscles and joints for up to two weeks. In more severe cases, the virus reaches the central nervous system, causing fever, headaches, mood changes and possibly convulsions and coma. There is no vaccine for humans.
Officials suggest avoiding outdoor activity at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, covering arms and legs while outdoors, using insect repellant, and eliminating the standing water where mosquitoes breed.