For Immediate Release

October 19, 2020

Positive EEE Sample Found in Mullica Township

The Atlantic County Office of Mosquito Control has confirmed that a mosquito sample collected from the Elwood section of Mullica Township has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare but serious virus transmitted by mosquitoes to birds, horses and other animals, as well as to humans.

This is the third mosquito sample to test positive for EEE in Atlantic County this year. The first positive sample was collected from a horse farm in Hamilton Township and the second was collected from a mosquito surveillance resting box in Corbin City. In 2019, several mosquito samples tested positive for EEE and an Atlantic County resident was one of three human cases statewide.

County residents can help protect themselves from EEE and other mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile Virus, by following standard precautions. These include using an insect repellent whenever outdoors to avoid mosquito bites and removing standing water from their properties where mosquitoes may breed.