West Nile Virus and EEE: What you need to know

As the state prepares for a second round of aerial spraying against mosquitoes, there are steps residents can also take to protect themselves from mosquito-borne illness.

Both West Nile Virus and Eastern equine encephalitis virus are potentially dangerous and could show little to no symptoms. The diseases have the potential to progress to more advanced infections with potentially lethal neurological effects.

Here’s what you should know:

West Nile Virus

- 80 percent of those infected will show no symptoms

- 20 percent will have mild symptoms including fever, headaches, body aches, nausea, vomiting, swollen lymph glands, and sometimes a rash on the trunk of the body. Symptoms can last a couple of days or several weeks.

- 1 in 150 cases result in serious problems including West Nile encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), West Nile meningitis (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the brain), West Nile meningoencephalitis (inflammation of the brain and membrane surrounding it), and poliomyelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord).

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV)

- Many people infected with EEEV show no symptoms. For others, symptoms can ranges from mild flu-like symptoms toEastern equine encephalitis (EEE) -- inflammation of the brain, coma, and death.

- Mass. is one of the states with the largest number of cases of EEE, along with Fla., Ga., and N.J.

- EEE has a one-third mortality rate and half of its survivors suffer permanent neurological damage.

Prevention

- Use an EPA-registered repellant with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.

- Take extra care between the hours of dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

- Drain standing water where mosquitoes lay their eggs.

- Install and repair screens.

- Report dead birds in your area to local health departments for testing.

Information compiled from the Center for Disease Control.