Monday, June 21, 2010

AMCD reports EEE case

By JENNIFER EDWARDS

The Anastasia Mosquito Control District has reported the first case this year of Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

One of the district's sentinel chickens in the Sampson area tested positive for the ailment.

District Director Ruide Xue said the disease can be harmful to horses and fatal in humans. He advised horse owners to have their animals checked and vaccinated.

Residents should dress accordingingly and drain any standing water. Adult residents should use mosquito repellent with DEET, he said. (Check with a pediatrician to see if repellent with DEET is safe for children).

The first case comes two or three months later than average, probably because of drier-than-usual weather, Xue said. It highlights Mosquito Awareness Week, which ends Saturday.

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