5 New Mosquito Samples Test Positive For Deadly EEE Virus

MANORVILLE, NY — Five new mosquito samples on Long Island have tested positive for the deadly Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus in the Manorville area, health officials said.

The New York State Department of Health informed Suffolk County health officials that two additional mosquito samples tested positive for the EEE virus, also referred to as "EEE" or "Triple E", according to a release.

The mosquito samples, one Culeseta melanura and one Culex salinarius, were collected in the Manorville area on Aug. 7 prior to aerial spraying on Aug. 9. Since the spraying on Aug. 9, mosquito surveillance on Aug. 13 indicates the presence of three additional positive samples for EEE; one is Culiseta melanura and 2 are Culex salinarius, health officials said.

A previous mosquito sample collected in the Manorville area on July 31 also tested positive for EEE, health officials said.

Eastern equine encephalitis is a rare but potentially deadly illness for humans. The disease is also a concern for horses, though a vaccine is available and recommended for horses. Both EEE and West Nile virus are transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

“Triple E is not common in humans, so we don’t want people to be alarmed but rather informed,” Dr. James Tomarken, Commissioner of Health for the Suffolk County Department of Health, said. "As with West Nile virus and any other mosquito-borne illnesses, we encourage people to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.”

In the United States, an average of seven human cases of EEE are reported annually. New York State reported eight cases of EEE from 2009 through 2018. To date, there have been no human cases of EEE in Suffolk County. Four EEE positive mosquito samples were reported in Suffolk County in 2017 and three EEE positive samples were reported in 2008, Tomarken said.

In severe cases of EEE, a person may experience encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, that may result in death. The mortality rate of those that develop EEE is about 33%, the highest among human arboviruses — a virus transmitted by arthropod vectors — cases reported in the United States, the DOH said.

Currently, there is no human vaccine for EEE and patients are treated with supportive care.

Horses are particularly vulnerable if they contract EEE, officials said. The equine mortality rate due to EEE ranges from 75% to 90%.

In 2018, the United States Department of Agriculture reported 107 cases of EEE in horses from 13 states, including three from upstate New York, the DOH said.

Suffolk County reported three cases of EEE in horses in 2003. "Owners of equines have an essential role in preventing EEE from spreading. Horse owners are encouraged to vaccinate their animals and put safeguards in place that prevent animal exposure to mosquitoes as well as report any suspicious signs of EEE in animals to a veterinarian," the Suffolk County Department of Health said.

An additional 22 mosquito samples have also tested positive for West Nile virus. Of the 22 samples, one was of the Culiseta melanura species. It was collected in the Manorville area on Aug. 9. A total of 21 mosquito samples were of the Culex pipiens-restuans species; they were collected on Aug. 6 and Aug. 7, with one from Cold Spring Harbor, one from Melville, one from Northport, nine from West Babylon, one from North Babylon, one from Lindenhurst, one from Oakdale, one from Smithtown, two from Farmingville, one from Bohemia, and one from Riverhead.

To date this year, Suffolk County has reported 35 mosquito samples that confirmed positive for West Nile virus and three birds confirmed positive for West Nile virus. No humans or horses have tested positive for West Nile virus in Suffolk this year.

West Nile virus may cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe. Symptoms may include fever, headache, vomiting, muscle aches, joint pain, and fatigue. There is no specific treatment for West Nile virus. Patients are treated with supportive therapy as needed.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services continues to ask residents to assist in controlling the mosquito population by eliminating standing water on their property. With the finding of Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus in the county, Dr. Tomarken is asking the public to take steps to be even more vigilant, especially those who live in or visit the Manorville area.

Individuals, especially those aged 50 or over, or those with compromised immune systems, are urged to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. To avoid mosquito bites, residents are advised to:

• Minimize outdoor activities between dusk and dawn.
• Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts when mosquitoes are active.
• Use mosquito repellent, following label directions carefully.
• Make sure all windows and doors have screens, and that all screens are in good repair.
• Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs inside and outside of your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out containers that hold water, such as vases, pet water bowls, flowerpot saucers, discarded tires, buckets, pool covers, birdbaths, trash cans and rain barrels.
• Download a copy of Suffolk County’s informational brochure “Get the Buzz on Mosquito Protection,” available in English and Spanish, and share it with your community.

According to Dr. Tomarken, information regarding measures Suffolk County will take to control mosquito populations will be forthcoming.

Dead birds may indicate the presence of West Nile virus in the area. To report dead birds, call the Public Health Information Line in Suffolk County at 631-787-2200 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Residents are encouraged to take a photograph of any bird in question.

To report mosquito problems or stagnant pools of water, call the Department of Public Works’ Vector Control Division at 631-852-4270.

For further information on mosquito borne illnesses, visit the Department of Health Services’ website.

(Suffolk County)

Spraying coming soon

Weather permitting, the Suffolk County Department of Public Works will treat sections of Manorville and Calverton by helicopter in order to control the breeding of adult mosquitoes. The treatments are in response to the confirmation of mosquito samples that have tested positive for EEE virus.

The spraying is expected to take place Monday from 7 p.m. to midnight. If weather cancels treatment, the spray will be rescheduled for Tuesday.

The spraying is expected to take place in Manorville/Calverton from River Road/Grumman Blvd. to S. River Road and the Long Island Railroad tracks extending from Princeton Ave. to Railroad Ave. All streets in the communities will be treated, with ultra low volume aerosol sprayng and anvil, or sumithrin, pesticide.

For spray notices, click here. If you are not sure that your land line phone is included in the CodeRED system or to receive notifications via cell phone, text messaging or e-mail, contact here.

Although chances of experiencing any health effects from spraying are quite low, the following common sense steps will help reduce possible exposure to pesticides before, during or after spraying, health officials said:

- Children and pregnant women should take care to avoid exposure when practical. If possible, remain inside or avoid the area whenever spraying takes place and for about 30 minutes after spraying. Close windows and doors and close the vents of window air-conditioning units to circulate indoor air or, before spraying begins, turn them off. Windows and air-conditioning vents can be reopened about 30 minutes after spraying. If you come in direct contact with pesticide spray, protect your eyes. If you get pesticide spray in your eyes, immediately rinse them with water. Wash exposed skin. Wash clothes that come in direct contact with spray separately from other laundry. Consult your health care provider if you think you are experiencing health effects from spraying.

- The materials used by vector control do not leave significant residues on surfaces, but exposure can be reduced even further. Pick homegrown fruits and vegetables you expect to eat soon before spraying takes place. Rinse homegrown fruits and vegetables — in fact, all produce— thoroughly with water before cooking or eating. Bring laundry and small toys inside before spraying begins. Wash with detergent and water if exposed to pesticides during spraying. Bring pet food and water dishes inside, and cover ornamental fishponds during the spray period to avoid direct exposure.

If you have questions about the EEE virus, contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services’ Public Health Hotline: 631-787-2200.