First EEE Case in Baldwin County

Baldwin County Mosquito A Baldwin County baby has been diagnosed with the mosquito borne Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

by Debbie Williams

Published: Wed, July 16, 2008 - 5:45 pm CST

For the second time in two years, a Baldwin County infant has been diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis. It is also the first human case of the mosquito borne disease in Alabama this year.
This is the height of mosquito season and health officials are warning, you must protect yourself.
It's a battle fought every summer. "I think we may be seeing a little more active season than maybe last year," says County Health Agent Rachel Beck. She says more rain has meant more opportunities for mosquito's. "We live in a warm climate that we all enjoy. The mosquito's enjoy it too so we all have to live together."
But there are things you can do to help protect yourself. "Look out for containers that have standing water that allow the larvae to develop. Wear repellent, long sleeves and long pants to make sure not being bitten."
Dr. Ron Lee treated an infant last year diagnosed with Eastern Equine Encephalitis. He says children are at particular risk. "For a couple of reasons; One is the immune system and I think that it's the brain of children and young adolescents can't tolerate that swelling."
Symptoms he says, are hard to identify. "It may present with very mild flu like symptoms and some cases there are no symptoms, it just leads straight to death and coma."
Sentinal chickens stationed throughout Baldwin County are the first to send out the warning, it's up to us to do the rest.

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KxVx Says:

Thu, Jul 17, 2008 at 9:44 am

VACCINATE YOUR HORSES!
For less than $8 per horse you can vaccinate them against EEE, WEE, and Tetnus!
If you can’t afford that, SURRENDER YOUR HORSES TO THE SPCA!