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Ottawa Public Health has confirmed that a city resident who died of viral encephalitis in August tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV).
“According to data available, this is the first confirmed human case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in Ottawa,” the agency said in a release.
“Although it is important to note that EEEV is not a reportable disease in Ontario.”
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The agency continues to urge residents to protect themselves against mosquito bites to reduce the risk from EEEV and West Nile virus.
“Like West Nile Virus, EEEV normally cycles between wild birds and mosquitoes but can occasionally be spread to horses and, rarely, to humans through an infected mosquito’s bite,” OPH said.
“Humans do not get infected with EEEV from a horse or another human.”
In August, the province said that EEEV had been confirmed in a horse in the Ottawa area. The horse had not been vaccinated against EEEV.
The horse was euthanized.
While horses can be protected by a vaccine against EEEV, there is no vaccine for humans. And while human cases are rare, the disease is of concern because it can cause serious neurological disease and even death.
Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to protect against the viruses.
OPH recommends:
- Applying a Health Canada-approved mosquito repellent containing DEET or icaridin to exposed skin and clothing (avoid applying DEET to synthetic fabrics)
- Protecting yourself when mosquitoes are active, especially between dusk and dawn and any time you are near shady hedges or bushy or wooded areas
- Wearing light-coloured, tightly woven, loose-fitting clothing, such as long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks, to protect exposed skin
- Making sure all windows and doors in your home have screens that are in good condition
For more information about EEEV and WNV, visit the OPH website and see the recent public service announcement from Aug. 21.
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