Vermont's health department is urging residents of several towns, including one bordering Quebec, to stay indoors from dusk to dawn to prevent the spread of a mosquito-borne illness. Certain towns are considered at high risk for eastern equine encephalitis (EEE), which the state's health department describes as a rare but serious disease caused by a virus that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. High-risk towns currently include Alburgh, Burlington, Colchester and Swanton.
Swanton is about eight kilometres from Quebec and Alburgh borders the province. While only a few human cases are reported in the United States each year, none have been confirmed in Quebec to date, according to Quebec public health. "However, the infection can be asymptomatic and, in such cases, go unnoticed," said spokesperson Marie-Claude Lacasse in an email.
The virus has been present in Quebec for many years, and several equine cases indicate more active viral circulation in Quebec this year, she said. Humans are 'accidental hosts' The virus primarily spreads through mosquitoes that typically feed on the blood of certain bird species, but when these mosquitoes bite humans or other mammals, the virus can be transmitted. Since humans are not the main target for the virus, humans are considered "accidental hosts.
" "However, with climate change, conditions may become more favourable for its transmission to humans and other mammals," said Lacasse. "It is recommended to protect yourself from mos.