The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) announced that mosquitoes from the York County town of Lebanon have tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE). These are the first mosquitoes in Maine to test positive for EEE since 2019, when a horse also tested positive. The last human case of EEE in Maine was in 2015.

Presumed positive EEE results were also found in three non-commercial farm animals that died in Piscataquis County, north of Bangor. No known human cases of any locally acquired mosquito-borne illnesses have occurred in Maine this year.

While some people may not exhibit symptoms from EEE, others may experience fever and flu-like illness. Severe symptoms can also occur, including encephalitis (brain swelling), and meningitis. In some cases, EEE is fatal. If you experience any symptoms, call a health care provider right away.

Horses are also sensitive to mosquito-borne diseases and can be vaccinated for EEE and WNV. Symptoms of these diseases in horses include fever, weakness, and lack of coordination.

Take these simple steps to avoid exposure to EEE and other mosquito borne diseases. Wear long sleeves and long pants. Use an EPA-approved repellent on skin and clothes. Take extra precautions at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Use screens on windows and doors. Drain artificial sources of standing water around the home where mosquitoes can lay eggs, such as bird baths, wheelbarrows, plant pots, and pet water dishes.