During routine testing, the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control found that a mosquito pool in Union County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Please read the message below from the Westfield Regional Health Officer:
“Even though a mosquito was found, the Union County Bureau of Mosquito Control is spraying diligently. They have been looking for and testing mosquitoes all season and will continue to aggressively spray throughout the county, particularly areas most prone to heavy mosquito populations and schools.”
EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that can effect people of all ages. It is generally spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus and can cause severe illness and possibly lead to death in any age group; however, people under the age of 15 are at particular risk.
You can take personal precautions against mosquito bites by staying indoors during dusk and dawn. Other steps families can take to reduce the risk of EEE include using EPA-approved bug spray, wearing long sleeves and pants while outdoors, and eliminating sources of standing water, such as containers and bird baths.
For more information on EEE visit the NJ Department of Health website at https://www.nj.gov/health/cd/topics/eee.shtml and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/easternequineencephalitis/index.html
Residents can also contact the health department at 908-789-4070 for more information.