Public health officials in Ontario are raising the alarm after recent cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) have cropped up in the area. A Hamilton County man has contracted a rare but potentially fatal mosquito-borne virus. To make matters worse, two horses in the surrounding area have tested positive for the infection. The death of an Ottawa resident from EEE in August 2024 brought on this outbreak. In response, health authorities are advising residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis, for instance, can lead to death. As per the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), it has a 30 percent fatality rate for those who become seriously ill. Only a small percentage of people infected with EEE—about a third—ever develop any symptoms at all. If symptoms do occur, they typically present within three to ten days following a bite from an infected mosquito. The virus is primarily found throughout the eastern half of North America. It is highly seasonal, with the number of cases skyrocketing during the summer months.
In 2019, the northeastern US experienced one of its biggest outbreaks of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Notably in the last 20 years, both the prevalence and incidence of human cases have increased drastically. So far this year, 38 cases have been reported nationally with 23 of these cases coming from the northeast region of the country alone. With the recent cases in Ontario, worries have come up about potential cross-border spread of the virus.
Then-public health official Dr. Bart Harvey emphasized the importance of preventative action. These measures can greatly reduce the chances that you will become infected with EEE.
“While the risk of being infected with Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus is low, residents should take precautions to avoid illness spread by mosquitoes,” – Dr. Bart Harvey
Though officials track the Mississippi outbreak carefully, health officials urge residents to stay alert. As peak mosquito season is nearing its end, prompt actions can lessen the dangers of EEE.
“Employing simple preventive measures such as using insect repellent containing DEET or Icaridin, covering up, and removing standing water on your property to prevent mosquito breeding will reduce your risk while you enjoy the outdoors. The risk of these infections will drop once there is a heavy frost that reduces the number of mosquitoes.” – Dr. Bart Harvey
As health officials monitor the situation closely, they encourage residents to remain vigilant. With the peak mosquito season approaching its end, timely action can help mitigate risks associated with EEE.
