The state is seeing signs the mosquito-transmitted Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has reappeared in Delaware.
The disease that can affect both people and horses has been detected in sentinel chickens.
The Delaware Division of Public Health Laboratory says four chickens recently tested positive for EEE at three of DNREC’s 20 sentinel chicken stations. The three stations where the disease was detected are located in southwestern New Castle County, east-central Kent County and southeastern Sussex County.
DNREC’s Mosquito Control Section is now increasing mosquito population surveillance, and will conduct aerial spraying or fogging with a spray truck as warranted.
Officials say anyone in an area where the virus is present can be infected. People who are exposed to high numbers of mosquito bites are at the highest risk.
DNREC's Mosquito Control Section offers more information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis nd other mosquito-borne diseases here.
