In August 2024, Vermont saw its first human case of EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) since 2012. Since then, the Department of Health has issued warnings for several areas of the state including Chittenden County, and is urging all Vermonters to take precautions.
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center released this helpful article that outlines what you need to know about EEE, but the takeaway is that prevention is key.
Prevention: To prevent mosquito bites, the article from DHMC emphasizes several strategies:
Use of Repellents: Applying insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon and eucalyptus can effectively ward off mosquitoes. At Compass, Dr. Sarah loves All Terrain bug spray for her family, but stresses that you must re-apply all natural bug sprays more frequently than those containing pesticides.
Protective Clothing: Wearing long sleeves, long pants, and socks can minimize exposed skin, reducing the risk of bites.
Avoid Peak Times: Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so limiting outdoor activities during these times is important, as the Vermont Department of Health has confirmed. Check with the Department of Health to see if your town has restrictions or recommendations in place to keep you and your family safe.
Eliminate Standing Water: Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so it's crucial to remove any standing water around your home, such as in bird baths, gutters, or flower pots.
Restrictions: While mosquito bites are typically not severe, individuals should seek medical attention if they experience severe symptoms, such as high fever, severe headache, muscle pains, joint aches and other flu-like symptoms that developed after mosquito bites, or if they suspect a mosquito-borne illness. It's particularly important for those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions to be cautious and consult a healthcare provider if symptoms worsen.
And that's not all: The ticks that carry Lyme disease will become more active again in the fall, so it's important to stay diligent - those long sleeves and bug repellants will help with tick bite prevention as well, but it's important to remember to check for tick bites after being outdoors, too!
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