Valdosta, Georgia - The Georgia Department of Public Health's South Health District has received three positive notifications of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) cases in South Georgia. The cases were reported in Irwin, Lowndes, and Berrien counties, indicating the presence of EEE in the region.

According to the release by the Georgia Department of Public Health, a horse in Berrien County has tested positive for EEE, along with mosquito pools in Irwin and Lowndes counties. Chris Calhoun, the District Environmental Health director, emphasized the need for extra precautions against mosquito bites, stating that the spread of positive notifications across the district underscores the seriousness of EEE.

To prevent mosquito bites, the Department of Public Health suggests using insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. People should also consider wearing long sleeves and pants when weather permits and ensuring that windows and doors have secure screens to keep mosquitoes out. Eliminating mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from various sources such as flowerpots, buckets, barrels, and wading pools is also crucial. Additionally, using repellent and wearing protective clothing from dusk to dawn or engaging in indoor activities during peak mosquito-biting hours is recommended.

While there is no vaccine available for humans to prevent EEE and West Nile Virus, vaccines are available for horses. The public is urged to consult their veterinarians and have their horses vaccinated as early as possible to protect them against EEE.

The Georgia Department of Public Health stresses that although positive notifications for EEE are not uncommon in the region at this time of year, it is vital to remain vigilant in safeguarding against mosquito bites, as they are the primary mode of transmission for mosquito-borne illnesses.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, residents can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Please note that this article is based solely on the information provided by the Georgia Department of Public Health's South Health District, and it is advised to consult official sources for any updates or further details.

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