There are new concerns about a mosquito-borne illness spreading across New England.
Eastern equine encephalitis, also known as EEE, has been found in yet another animal in Maine.
A horse from Somerset County has tested positive for EEE. This is the third domestic animal this year in Maine to test positive for the virus, which spreads from infected mosquito bites.
“When we see activities in horses, a reminder for humans that something is going on, and humans should also be taking precautions, but a horse itself is not a risk for humans or other horses,” Maine veterinarian Dr. Stefanie Bolas said.
The potentially deadly virus has gotten the attention of Maine’s Arboviral Public Health Panel.
Our partners at the Bangor Daily News report that the panel has recommended a state of emergency.
“I mean, well a state of emergency would help access some resources, I think certainly there are many, many things we can do now without that declaration to protect ourselves and our animals,” Bolas said.
Just last month, health officials announced a man in New Hampshire died after contracting EEE.
Jon Cole, a master-level pesticide applicator, says there are many precautions you can take during this mosquito season.
“The key thing is to avoid that early morning and dusk, dawn and dusk if you can avoid those times of day, chances are you can be pretty good,” Cole said.
One Maine parent says she is being extra careful while playing outside with her kids.
