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Mosquitoes in Sunland Park Found Carrying Equine Encephalitis

Posted on: Saturday, 16 July 2005, 00:00 CDT

Jul. 15--Mosquitoes in Sunland Park have tested positive for a virus that affects both humans and horses.

Mosquitoes caught on June 28 were found to be carrying Western equine encephalitis virus, which, in a small percentage of people, can cause swelling of the brain and sometimes death. About 20 to 50 percent of horses die or must be put to sleep after contracting the virus, according to information released by Sunland Park's vector control.

Mary Carter, spokeswoman for Sunland Park, said the city is fogging areas near a levee where the infected mosquitoes were found.

"We're addressing the issue, and we're making sure we take care of it," she said, adding that a sign has been posted near the site to warn people about the virus. "I think the city does everything it can to ensure the safety and health of its citizens." Carter said the city is encouraging residents to reduce their exposure to mosquitoes and take steps to reduce breeding sites around their homes.

"Usually, if you have standing water, that leads to the mosquito problem," she said. "That's why it's important to eliminate sites that hold water." Most humans experience no symptoms from the virus, but some infants and elderly adults will develop encephalitis, or swelling of the brain, according to Sunland Park's vector control. Of the people who develop encephalitis, 5 to 15 percent die. The virus is not spread from person to person.

Chris Minnick, spokesman for the New Mexico Department of Health, said there have been no human cases of Western equine encephalitis in the state this year or last year.

Minnick said the disease is similar to West Nile virus and precautions should be taken.

"People need to follow the same recommendations ... ," he said. "The fact is we know its in the area. If people are following the ... recommendations, they're going to be protected from both." No vaccine exists for humans, but there is one for horses.

Buddy Ritter, who keeps race horses in the area, said he takes steps each year to protect his animals from Western equine encephalitis.

"All of the horse owners are concerned, and they've all had their horses vaccinated," he said. "We vaccinated way before they found anything." Las Cruces horse veterinarian J. T. "Skip" Prichard, who has been in business for four decades, said he hasn't treated a case of Western equine encephalitis in about 15 years, but it was once a problem.

"We used to have a lot of it in the '60 and '70s," he said. Since then, he has seen very little of the disease, perhaps partly because of the development of a vaccine, he said.

Prichard said it's difficult to tell how many horses in the area are immunized against the disease because the vaccine is available over the counter, but his best guess is 30 percent. Horses should be given the vaccine in the spring before the mosquito season is in full swing, he said.

A booster shot is then needed each year.

"One of the problems is that people will vaccinate their horses the first year ... but they forget to get the booster," he said. Also, "we still have a lot of people in July who are giving their boosters, which is kind of late." The vaccine protects horses against both West Nile and East Nile encephalitis diseases, he said.

TIPS TO COMBAT MOSQUITOES

--Stay indoors at dawn, dusk and in the early evening.

--Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks whenever you are outdoors.

--Products containing DEET or Picaridin can provide longer lasting protection. Use insect repellent products with no more than 35 percent DEET for adults and follow the directions on the label for children from ages 2-12.

--Keep windows and doors closed if not screened. If you leave your house doors or windows open, make sure they have screens that fit tightly and have no holes.

--Do not allow water to stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, trash containers, swimming pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, etc.

Source: New Mexico Department of Health

FOR HORSES

--Horses should be vaccinated in the spring and given a booster shot each year.

--Cost of horse vaccine for Western Equine Encephalitis: $15

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Copyright (c) 2005, Las Cruces Sun-News, N.M.

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Source: Las Cruces Sun-News

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