Positive Eastern Equine Encephalitis Sample Found in Corbin City

Officials with the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control say a mosquito sample collected from a mosquito surveillance resting box in Corbin City has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

The announcement was made late last week.

Just last month, a sample collected from a horse farm in Hamilton Township was confirmed positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. In that case, officials were surveilling the area for several weeks after an unvaccinated horse on the farm tested positive for the disease.

Several mosquito samples tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis in 2019 and an Atlantic County resident was one of three human cases statewide.

So far in 2020, the CDC has reported nine confirmed cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in the following states: Indiana (1), Massachusetts (4), Michigan (2), and in Wisconsin (2).

Officials say Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious virus transmitted by mosquitoes to birds, horses, and other animals. Transmission to humans is also possible.

County residents can help protect themselves from Eastern Equine Encephalitis by following standard, common precautions, like using insect repellent whenever outdoors, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and removing standing water to limit where mosquitoes may breed.

If you have any questions or concerns about Eastern Equine Encephalitis, contact the Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control at (609) 645-5948.