Third case of mosquito-bourne illness found in New Hanover Co. | Environment

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) - A third chicken with the mosquito-borne illness Eastern Equine Encephalitis has been found in New Hanover County. This is the third case in three weeks.

The New Hanover County Health Department is asking everyone be careful about mosquito bites.

There is currently no vaccine and no cure for this dangerous disease. The New Hanover County Health Director recommends to “minimize unprotected outdoor exposure at dawn and dusk, the times during the day when mosquito activity peaks as they search aggressively for blood meals. Protective measures include applying insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.”

Although rare in humans, it is a serious concern and can be deadly.

Recently a couple of horses became ill  from EEE and were euthanized in Robeson and Bladen counties, according to a news release from NHC. Preventative vaccines are available for horses and should be administered by a veterinarian.

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