BROWNINGTON — Health officials are urging Vermonters to take precautions against mosquito bites after Eastern equine encephalitis virus was detected for the first time this year in Franklin, Addison and Orleans counties, including a suspected case in a Brownington horse.
Mosquitoes from Swanton and Vergennes have tested positive for the serious and potentially deadly mosquito-transmitted virus. A horse in Brownington is also suspected to have had the virus.
No human cases of EEE have been reported in Vermont this year, but the risk for infection increases into late summer and early fall. The virus caused serious illness in two people in Vermont last year, one of whom died.
“Detection of dangerous viruses carried by mosquitoes in Vermont underscores that it’s important for all of us to prevent bites and protect our health, especially in communities where these mosquitoes have been found,” said Interim Health Commissioner Julie Arel.
Most people infected with mosquito-borne viruses including EEE may not feel sick, but infection can lead to serious illness including brain inflammation called encephalitis. Symptoms can include fever, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea or rash.
Health officials recommend limiting time outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are more active, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants outdoors, using insect repellent effective against mosquitoes, eliminating standing water, and fixing holes in screens.
Horse owners should consult veterinarians to ensure animals are vaccinated for West Nile virus, EEE and other diseases spread by infected insects or ticks. Horses cannot spread these viruses to humans but the infections can cause neurologic disease and death in unvaccinated animals. Two horses were confirmed to have died from EEE in 2024, in addition to the suspected Brownington case this year.
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets collects mosquitoes throughout Vermont as part of annual surveillance efforts, with testing conducted by the Health Department at the State Public Health Laboratory.
