Potentially fatal disease spread by mosquitoes found in NHC | Environment

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) – A potentially fatal disease that is spread by mosquito bites was found in a local chicken flock, according to the New Hanover County Health Department.

A chicken flock tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a disease that has no cure and no vaccine for humans, in New Hanover County.

“Minimize unprotected outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, the times during the day when mosquito activity peaks as they search aggressively for blood meals,” stated David Rice, New Hanover County Health Director. “Protective measures include applying insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.”

 For more information about the use of repellents, go to http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/RepellentUpdates.htm.

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