Read the latest news on coronavirus in Delaware. More Info
Make a Plan For a Sober Ride Home This St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Date Posted: March 10, 2022
Natalie Kim Ramos to Represent Delaware in 2022 Poetry Out Loud Virtual National Semifinals Date Posted: March 10, 2022
Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams with Youth-Only Day April 2 Date Posted: March 10, 2022
EPA Reinstates California’s Vehicle Emissions Waiver, Helping to Get Delaware’s Air Quality Back on Track Date Posted: March 9, 2022
Two Additional Cases Of Avian Influenza Confirmed On Delaware And Maryland Farms Date Posted: March 9, 2022
Auditor’s Office Achieves Highest Possible Ranking for National Peer Review Date Posted: March 8, 2022
DOJ Convicts Kent County Man of 77 Counts Related to Sexual Abuse of Children Date Posted: March 8, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week Date Posted: March 8, 2022
Volunteers Honored For Their Disaster Work Date Posted: March 8, 2022
DNREC Reopens Port Mahon Fishing Pier After Emergency Repairs Date Posted: March 7, 2022
COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Decline; Guidance For Those Who Want To Wear Masks Included Date Posted: March 4, 2022
Three Men Sentenced in Connection With Operation Rise-N-Shyne Date Posted: March 4, 2022
Tubman Bicentennial Tours at Blackbird State Forest Date Posted: March 4, 2022
El Programa de Pandemia-EBT de Delaware Regresa para el Año Escolar 2021-2022 Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Human Trafficking Unit’s First Month Yields Three Illicit Massage Parlor Shutdowns, Felony Charges Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Delaware to Adopt Zero Emission Vehicle Regulation Date Posted: March 3, 2022
DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to Host Free Monthly Naloxone Training Sessions Statewide Date Posted: March 3, 2022
AG Jennings Announces $6 Billion National Settlement In Principle With Purdue Pharma and Sackler family Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Delaware’s Pandemic-EBT Program Returns for School Year 2021-2022 Date Posted: March 2, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week celebrates Women’s History Month Date Posted: March 2, 2022
AG Jennings Alerts Consumers Impacted By 2021 T-Mobile Data Breach To Take Steps To Protect Their Personal Information Date Posted: March 2, 2022
The Delaware Division of the Arts to Host 2022 Virtual Poetry Out Loud State Competition Date Posted: March 2, 2022
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to Hold Virtual Delaware Public Hearing on Striped Bass Management Plan Date Posted: March 2, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Recycle, Repurpose…RE-IMAGINE” by Colleen Zufelt Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Former Dover Police Officer Pleads Guilty To DUI, Official Misconduct Date Posted: March 1, 2022
No Matter The Flock Size, Poultry Owners Need To Protect Bird Health Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Report Finds Gender Disparity in Auto Insurance Premiums, Women Charged More for Same Coverage Date Posted: March 1, 2022
EDGE Grants Competition Reopens To Benefit Promising Early-Stage Delaware Small Businesses Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Governor Carney Lifts COVID-19 State of Emergency Date Posted: March 1, 2022
AG Indicts Ex-Officer In Excessive Force Cases Date Posted: February 28, 2022
February 28 – March 4 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Nominations for Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards Accepted Through March 27 Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Delaware School Mask Requirement to End at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 1 Date Posted: February 28, 2022
El Requisito de Cubre Bocas en Escuelas de Delaware Terminará el Martes, 1º de Marzo a las 6:00 P.M. Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – February 25, 2022: COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations And Deaths Continue To Decline Date Posted: February 25, 2022
DNREC to Close The Point at Cape Henlopen for Beachnesting Season Date Posted: February 25, 2022
Downtown Development Districts Program Achieves Record Housing And Community Development In 2021 Date Posted: February 25, 2022
Delaware Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week Celebrating Black History Month Date Posted: February 23, 2022
Avian Influenza Found In Delaware Chicken Flock; Producers Urged To Take Precautions Date Posted: February 23, 2022
Delaware Emitirá Beneficios de Emergencia Mensuales el 24 de Feb. Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Delaware Will Issue Monthly Emergency Benefits on Feb. 24 Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Historical Affairs celebrates Women’s History Month 2022 Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Nominations Open for the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame and the She’s On Her Way Award Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Delaware State Parks Fee Season to Begin March 1 Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Education preparation reports show programs’ progress Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Dover Health Care Provider Expands Behavioral Health Services for the LGBTQ Community Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Delaware Wild Birds Date Posted: February 21, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – February 18, 2022: Cases, Hospitalizations Continue Downward Trend Date Posted: February 18, 2022
State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Now Accepting Applications for 2022 Date Posted: February 18, 2022
Delaware Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week Celebrating Black History Month Date Posted: February 18, 2022
February 23: Forum on Racial History and Education in Delaware Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Delaware Holds Successful Bond Sale; Triple A Bond Ratings Affirmed Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Governor Carney Announces $40 Million of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funding for Delaware Libraries Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Volunteers Needed for Christina River Watershed Cleanup April 2 Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Take Care Delaware to Launch Statewide Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Treasurer Davis Encourages Delawareans to Examine Saving Habits Date Posted: February 17, 2022
AG Jennings, ATF, DSP Announce 91 Felony Charges Against Sussex County Straw Purchasers Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Division of the Arts to Host Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Delaware Public Service Commission Releases Final Report on Delmarva Power’s Electric Supply Auction Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Wildfire Training Classes Online Date Posted: February 15, 2022
February 15, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing Date Posted: February 14, 2022
Get Boosted: DPH Urges Delawareans to Reinforce Vaccine Protection Against COVID-19 Date Posted: February 12, 2022
McGuiness Office Granted Permission to Obtain Outside Counsel in Subpoena Case Date Posted: February 11, 2022
Spring Trout Season to Open at Downstate Ponds With Youth-Only Day March 5 Date Posted: February 11, 2022
Two Delaware Educators Receive National Teaching Award Date Posted: February 10, 2022
In observance of Black History Month, The Delaware Heritage Commission presents our Book of the Week Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Governor Carney and Division of Small Business Announce Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Funding Awards Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust Secures First Hate Crime Conviction Date Posted: February 10, 2022
DNREC Invites Delaware Students to Enter Earth Day Video Contest Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Governor Carney Issues Statement on Wilmington Learning Collaborative Date Posted: February 9, 2022
Governor Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long Support Veterans Affairs’ Governor’s Challenge on Suicide Prevention Date Posted: February 9, 2022
‘Segregated Sands’: Delaware Beaches During Jim Crow Date Posted: February 8, 2022
Auditor McGuiness: Office Releases 34 Reports in January, a Historic Achievement Date Posted: February 8, 2022
February 8, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Department of Insurance 2021 Data Shows over $21M in Consumer Savings Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Delaware Department of Agriculture Issues Request for Proposals for Specialty Crop Grant Date Posted: February 7, 2022
El Gobernador Carney Anuncia la Expiración del Mandato Universal de Cubre Bocas en Espacios Interiores el 11 de Feb. Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Expiration of Universal Indoor Mask Mandate on February 11 Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – Feb. 4, 2022: DPH Warns Against Complacency Amid Reduced Covid19 Cases Date Posted: February 5, 2022
The Delaware Public Archives unveils the Abraham Shadd Family Historical Marker Date Posted: February 4, 2022
Governor’s Office Seeks Nominees for Delaware’s Appointed Seat on Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Date Posted: February 4, 2022
Enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace for 2022 Reaches All-Time High Date Posted: February 3, 2022
DNREC Reminds Hunters to Remove Portable Deer Stands from State Wildlife Areas Date Posted: February 3, 2022
Four Delaware Arts Organizations Receive American Rescue Plan Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts Date Posted: February 2, 2022
A Message From Delaware’s New Education Secretary Date Posted: February 2, 2022
Delaware’s Tax Season Starts January 31, 2022 Date Posted: February 2, 2022
Delaware Division of the Arts Encourages Arts Philanthropy Through Do More 24 Delaware Date Posted: February 1, 2022
Delaware State Parks Standard Surf Fishing Permits Sold Out Date Posted: February 1, 2022
Auditor McGuiness: 20 Performance Audits Show State School Districts, DOE Could Improve Background Check Processes Date Posted: January 31, 2022
AG Jennings Unveils DOJ Human Trafficking Unit Date Posted: January 31, 2022
February 1, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Assistant Principal Academy Graduates First Cohort Of Leaders Date Posted: January 31, 2022
DNREC to Accept Funding Relief Applications from Fishery-Related Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Governor Carney Issues Third Revision to COVID-19 Emergency Order Date Posted: January 31, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “On Display II” by Shari Dierkes Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Governor Carney Terminates State of Emergency, Eases Driving Restrictions Effective at 6:00 p.m. Date Posted: January 29, 2022
Weekly Covid-19 Update – January 28, 2022: Delaware Remains Vigilant As Downward Case, Hospitalization Trends Continue Date Posted: January 28, 2022
Governor Carney Authorizes National Guard, Issues Driving Restrictions to Prepare for Winter Storm Date Posted: January 28, 2022
Treasury Proposals Receive Funding in Governor’s Recommended Budget Date Posted: January 27, 2022
Partnership to Bring Chick-fil-A Food Truck to DMVs Date Posted: January 27, 2022
Make a Plan For a Sober Ride Home This St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Date Posted: March 10, 2022
Natalie Kim Ramos to Represent Delaware in 2022 Poetry Out Loud Virtual National Semifinals Date Posted: March 10, 2022
Upstate Trout Season to Open in New Castle County Streams with Youth-Only Day April 2 Date Posted: March 10, 2022
EPA Reinstates California’s Vehicle Emissions Waiver, Helping to Get Delaware’s Air Quality Back on Track Date Posted: March 9, 2022
Two Additional Cases Of Avian Influenza Confirmed On Delaware And Maryland Farms Date Posted: March 9, 2022
Auditor’s Office Achieves Highest Possible Ranking for National Peer Review Date Posted: March 8, 2022
DOJ Convicts Kent County Man of 77 Counts Related to Sexual Abuse of Children Date Posted: March 8, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week Date Posted: March 8, 2022
Volunteers Honored For Their Disaster Work Date Posted: March 8, 2022
DNREC Reopens Port Mahon Fishing Pier After Emergency Repairs Date Posted: March 7, 2022
COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Decline; Guidance For Those Who Want To Wear Masks Included Date Posted: March 4, 2022
Three Men Sentenced in Connection With Operation Rise-N-Shyne Date Posted: March 4, 2022
Tubman Bicentennial Tours at Blackbird State Forest Date Posted: March 4, 2022
El Programa de Pandemia-EBT de Delaware Regresa para el Año Escolar 2021-2022 Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Human Trafficking Unit’s First Month Yields Three Illicit Massage Parlor Shutdowns, Felony Charges Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Delaware to Adopt Zero Emission Vehicle Regulation Date Posted: March 3, 2022
DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to Host Free Monthly Naloxone Training Sessions Statewide Date Posted: March 3, 2022
AG Jennings Announces $6 Billion National Settlement In Principle With Purdue Pharma and Sackler family Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Delaware’s Pandemic-EBT Program Returns for School Year 2021-2022 Date Posted: March 2, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week celebrates Women’s History Month Date Posted: March 2, 2022
AG Jennings Alerts Consumers Impacted By 2021 T-Mobile Data Breach To Take Steps To Protect Their Personal Information Date Posted: March 2, 2022
The Delaware Division of the Arts to Host 2022 Virtual Poetry Out Loud State Competition Date Posted: March 2, 2022
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to Hold Virtual Delaware Public Hearing on Striped Bass Management Plan Date Posted: March 2, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Recycle, Repurpose…RE-IMAGINE” by Colleen Zufelt Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Former Dover Police Officer Pleads Guilty To DUI, Official Misconduct Date Posted: March 1, 2022
No Matter The Flock Size, Poultry Owners Need To Protect Bird Health Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Report Finds Gender Disparity in Auto Insurance Premiums, Women Charged More for Same Coverage Date Posted: March 1, 2022
EDGE Grants Competition Reopens To Benefit Promising Early-Stage Delaware Small Businesses Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Governor Carney Lifts COVID-19 State of Emergency Date Posted: March 1, 2022
AG Indicts Ex-Officer In Excessive Force Cases Date Posted: February 28, 2022
February 28 – March 4 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Nominations for Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards Accepted Through March 27 Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Delaware School Mask Requirement to End at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 1 Date Posted: February 28, 2022
El Requisito de Cubre Bocas en Escuelas de Delaware Terminará el Martes, 1º de Marzo a las 6:00 P.M. Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – February 25, 2022: COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations And Deaths Continue To Decline Date Posted: February 25, 2022
DNREC to Close The Point at Cape Henlopen for Beachnesting Season Date Posted: February 25, 2022
Downtown Development Districts Program Achieves Record Housing And Community Development In 2021 Date Posted: February 25, 2022
Delaware Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week Celebrating Black History Month Date Posted: February 23, 2022
Avian Influenza Found In Delaware Chicken Flock; Producers Urged To Take Precautions Date Posted: February 23, 2022
Delaware Emitirá Beneficios de Emergencia Mensuales el 24 de Feb. Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Delaware Will Issue Monthly Emergency Benefits on Feb. 24 Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Historical Affairs celebrates Women’s History Month 2022 Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Nominations Open for the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame and the She’s On Her Way Award Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Delaware State Parks Fee Season to Begin March 1 Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Education preparation reports show programs’ progress Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Dover Health Care Provider Expands Behavioral Health Services for the LGBTQ Community Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Delaware Wild Birds Date Posted: February 21, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – February 18, 2022: Cases, Hospitalizations Continue Downward Trend Date Posted: February 18, 2022
State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Now Accepting Applications for 2022 Date Posted: February 18, 2022
Delaware Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week Celebrating Black History Month Date Posted: February 18, 2022
February 23: Forum on Racial History and Education in Delaware Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Delaware Holds Successful Bond Sale; Triple A Bond Ratings Affirmed Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Governor Carney Announces $40 Million of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funding for Delaware Libraries Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Volunteers Needed for Christina River Watershed Cleanup April 2 Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Take Care Delaware to Launch Statewide Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Treasurer Davis Encourages Delawareans to Examine Saving Habits Date Posted: February 17, 2022
AG Jennings, ATF, DSP Announce 91 Felony Charges Against Sussex County Straw Purchasers Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Division of the Arts to Host Annual State Employee Art Exhibition Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Delaware Public Service Commission Releases Final Report on Delmarva Power’s Electric Supply Auction Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Wildfire Training Classes Online Date Posted: February 15, 2022
February 15, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing Date Posted: February 14, 2022
Get Boosted: DPH Urges Delawareans to Reinforce Vaccine Protection Against COVID-19 Date Posted: February 12, 2022
McGuiness Office Granted Permission to Obtain Outside Counsel in Subpoena Case Date Posted: February 11, 2022
Spring Trout Season to Open at Downstate Ponds With Youth-Only Day March 5 Date Posted: February 11, 2022
Two Delaware Educators Receive National Teaching Award Date Posted: February 10, 2022
In observance of Black History Month, The Delaware Heritage Commission presents our Book of the Week Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Governor Carney and Division of Small Business Announce Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Funding Awards Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust Secures First Hate Crime Conviction Date Posted: February 10, 2022
DNREC Invites Delaware Students to Enter Earth Day Video Contest Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Governor Carney Issues Statement on Wilmington Learning Collaborative Date Posted: February 9, 2022
Governor Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long Support Veterans Affairs’ Governor’s Challenge on Suicide Prevention Date Posted: February 9, 2022
‘Segregated Sands’: Delaware Beaches During Jim Crow Date Posted: February 8, 2022
Auditor McGuiness: Office Releases 34 Reports in January, a Historic Achievement Date Posted: February 8, 2022
February 8, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Department of Insurance 2021 Data Shows over $21M in Consumer Savings Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Delaware Department of Agriculture Issues Request for Proposals for Specialty Crop Grant Date Posted: February 7, 2022
El Gobernador Carney Anuncia la Expiración del Mandato Universal de Cubre Bocas en Espacios Interiores el 11 de Feb. Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Expiration of Universal Indoor Mask Mandate on February 11 Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – Feb. 4, 2022: DPH Warns Against Complacency Amid Reduced Covid19 Cases Date Posted: February 5, 2022
The Delaware Public Archives unveils the Abraham Shadd Family Historical Marker Date Posted: February 4, 2022
Governor’s Office Seeks Nominees for Delaware’s Appointed Seat on Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council Date Posted: February 4, 2022
Enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace for 2022 Reaches All-Time High Date Posted: February 3, 2022
DNREC Reminds Hunters to Remove Portable Deer Stands from State Wildlife Areas Date Posted: February 3, 2022
Four Delaware Arts Organizations Receive American Rescue Plan Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts Date Posted: February 2, 2022
A Message From Delaware’s New Education Secretary Date Posted: February 2, 2022
Delaware’s Tax Season Starts January 31, 2022 Date Posted: February 2, 2022
Delaware Division of the Arts Encourages Arts Philanthropy Through Do More 24 Delaware Date Posted: February 1, 2022
Delaware State Parks Standard Surf Fishing Permits Sold Out Date Posted: February 1, 2022
Auditor McGuiness: 20 Performance Audits Show State School Districts, DOE Could Improve Background Check Processes Date Posted: January 31, 2022
AG Jennings Unveils DOJ Human Trafficking Unit Date Posted: January 31, 2022
February 1, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Assistant Principal Academy Graduates First Cohort Of Leaders Date Posted: January 31, 2022
DNREC to Accept Funding Relief Applications from Fishery-Related Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Governor Carney Issues Third Revision to COVID-19 Emergency Order Date Posted: January 31, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “On Display II” by Shari Dierkes Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Governor Carney Terminates State of Emergency, Eases Driving Restrictions Effective at 6:00 p.m. Date Posted: January 29, 2022
Weekly Covid-19 Update – January 28, 2022: Delaware Remains Vigilant As Downward Case, Hospitalization Trends Continue Date Posted: January 28, 2022
Governor Carney Authorizes National Guard, Issues Driving Restrictions to Prepare for Winter Storm Date Posted: January 28, 2022
Treasury Proposals Receive Funding in Governor’s Recommended Budget Date Posted: January 27, 2022
Partnership to Bring Chick-fil-A Food Truck to DMVs Date Posted: January 27, 2022
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Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Division of Fish and Wildlife | News | Date Posted: Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Public Urged to Take Precautionary Measures Until Colder Weather Arrives
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-transmitted disease, has been detected in Delaware for the first time in 2021, at a sentinel chicken station in southwestern Sussex County sampled Oct. 11 by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to monitor for certain mosquito-transmitted diseases. Twenty sentinel chicken stations are sampled weekly throughout the state each summer and fall to help track Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV), the primary mosquito-transmitted diseases that are human health threats in Delaware. Mosquito-transmitted virus detections in DNREC’s sentinel chickens are unrelated to Delaware’s poultry industry.
The first EEE finding in Delaware adds to an active year for WNV, which has been detected in 18 of DNREC’s 20 sentinel chicken stations involving a total of 74 WNV-positive chickens from late July to date. Two WNV-human cases have been reported to date in 2021 by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory, and one WNV-equine case has been reported by the Delaware Department of Agriculture. No EEE cases have been reported in humans or horses to date in 2021.
While EEE is rarer than WNV, both EEE and WNV can adversely affect people and horses. Early symptoms of contracting EEE or WNV can be similar, but EEE often becomes more pronounced and debilitating, manifested by meningitis or encephalitis typically resulting in hospitalizations. EEE has a higher human mortality rate of over 30%, with infants, children and the elderly most vulnerable, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of EEE usually start from 4 to 10 days after being bitten by a mosquito infected with EEE. Early EEE symptoms can include headache, high fever, stiff neck, tremors or muscle weakness, with more severe cases progressing to stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, paralysis and possibly death. There are no human vaccines for EEE or WNV.
About 80% of people infected with WNV do not show symptoms. About 20% of those infected with WNV develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash on the chest or back and swollen lymph glands. About one in 150 people infected with WNV might develop severe infection indicted by high fever, disorientation, tremors or convulsions, encephalitis or meningitis, all possibly leading to hospitalization and very rarely death. Survivors of severe cases of WNV can have long-lasting medical complications, including lingering paralysis.
Horse owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect their horse may be showing signs of WNV or EEE. Symptoms of EEE in horses include fever (102.5-104.5°F), loss of appetite, head pressing, depression or personality change, wobbling or staggering, weakness, blindness, convulsions, muscle tremors in the head and neck, and hind-limb weakness. These signs are also consistent with WNV, although a fever may or may not be present with WNV.
Fall is the peak time of year for mosquito-transmitted disease activity, which will continue until colder weather, possibly until early- to mid-November. While the recent EEE and WNV findings are not cause for alarm, Delaware residents and visitors are urged to be vigilant over the next few weeks to avoid or reduce exposures to mosquito bites. People should take precautions when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas, including wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, applying insect repellent containing 10 to 30% diethyl toluamide (DEET) or other EPA-approved insect repellents in accordance with label instructions and avoiding mosquito-infested areas and times of peak mosquito activity around dusk, dawn and at night.
To reduce mosquito-breeding habitat and mosquito populations and chances for disease transmission, DNREC’s Mosquito Control section recommends that property owners drain or remove outdoor items that collect water, such as discarded buckets or containers, uncovered trashcans, stagnant birdbaths, uncovered rain barrels or cisterns, old tires, upright wheelbarrows, flowerpot liners and saucers, depressions in boat tarps, clogged rain gutters, corrugated downspout extenders and unused swimming pools.
In response to EEE and WNV activity, DNREC’s Mosquito Control section has increased mosquito population surveillance efforts in the vicinity of virus-positive findings and initiated targeted mosquito control actions as warranted, based on the mosquito species and numbers encountered.
Additional information about mosquitoes and mosquito-transmitted diseases is available from the following resources:
About DNREC The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov
Related Topics: cdc, DNREC Mosquito Control Section, Eastern equine encephalitis, health and safety, mosquito-transmitted disease
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control | Division of Fish and Wildlife | News | Date Posted: Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Public Urged to Take Precautionary Measures Until Colder Weather Arrives
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-transmitted disease, has been detected in Delaware for the first time in 2021, at a sentinel chicken station in southwestern Sussex County sampled Oct. 11 by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to monitor for certain mosquito-transmitted diseases. Twenty sentinel chicken stations are sampled weekly throughout the state each summer and fall to help track Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV), the primary mosquito-transmitted diseases that are human health threats in Delaware. Mosquito-transmitted virus detections in DNREC’s sentinel chickens are unrelated to Delaware’s poultry industry.
The first EEE finding in Delaware adds to an active year for WNV, which has been detected in 18 of DNREC’s 20 sentinel chicken stations involving a total of 74 WNV-positive chickens from late July to date. Two WNV-human cases have been reported to date in 2021 by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory, and one WNV-equine case has been reported by the Delaware Department of Agriculture. No EEE cases have been reported in humans or horses to date in 2021.
While EEE is rarer than WNV, both EEE and WNV can adversely affect people and horses. Early symptoms of contracting EEE or WNV can be similar, but EEE often becomes more pronounced and debilitating, manifested by meningitis or encephalitis typically resulting in hospitalizations. EEE has a higher human mortality rate of over 30%, with infants, children and the elderly most vulnerable, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of EEE usually start from 4 to 10 days after being bitten by a mosquito infected with EEE. Early EEE symptoms can include headache, high fever, stiff neck, tremors or muscle weakness, with more severe cases progressing to stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, paralysis and possibly death. There are no human vaccines for EEE or WNV.
About 80% of people infected with WNV do not show symptoms. About 20% of those infected with WNV develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash on the chest or back and swollen lymph glands. About one in 150 people infected with WNV might develop severe infection indicted by high fever, disorientation, tremors or convulsions, encephalitis or meningitis, all possibly leading to hospitalization and very rarely death. Survivors of severe cases of WNV can have long-lasting medical complications, including lingering paralysis.
Horse owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect their horse may be showing signs of WNV or EEE. Symptoms of EEE in horses include fever (102.5-104.5°F), loss of appetite, head pressing, depression or personality change, wobbling or staggering, weakness, blindness, convulsions, muscle tremors in the head and neck, and hind-limb weakness. These signs are also consistent with WNV, although a fever may or may not be present with WNV.
Fall is the peak time of year for mosquito-transmitted disease activity, which will continue until colder weather, possibly until early- to mid-November. While the recent EEE and WNV findings are not cause for alarm, Delaware residents and visitors are urged to be vigilant over the next few weeks to avoid or reduce exposures to mosquito bites. People should take precautions when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas, including wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, applying insect repellent containing 10 to 30% diethyl toluamide (DEET) or other EPA-approved insect repellents in accordance with label instructions and avoiding mosquito-infested areas and times of peak mosquito activity around dusk, dawn and at night.
To reduce mosquito-breeding habitat and mosquito populations and chances for disease transmission, DNREC’s Mosquito Control section recommends that property owners drain or remove outdoor items that collect water, such as discarded buckets or containers, uncovered trashcans, stagnant birdbaths, uncovered rain barrels or cisterns, old tires, upright wheelbarrows, flowerpot liners and saucers, depressions in boat tarps, clogged rain gutters, corrugated downspout extenders and unused swimming pools.
In response to EEE and WNV activity, DNREC’s Mosquito Control section has increased mosquito population surveillance efforts in the vicinity of virus-positive findings and initiated targeted mosquito control actions as warranted, based on the mosquito species and numbers encountered.
Additional information about mosquitoes and mosquito-transmitted diseases is available from the following resources:
About DNREC The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.
Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov
Related Topics: cdc, DNREC Mosquito Control Section, Eastern equine encephalitis, health and safety, mosquito-transmitted disease
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
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