What is Maine doing about WNV and EEE?
A. The Maine Center for Disease Control has developed an Arboviral Surveillance system to track the occurrence of WNV and EEE in Maine, generally beginning in mid-June and lasting through to mid-October. Surveillance efforts include adult mosquito trapping and testing, collecting dead bird data, testing dead birds, llamas, alpacas, and horses, and testing people who are ill with symptoms similar to those of an arbovirus infection. By doing this, prevention and education efforts can be focused on higher risk areas, including showing the public how to protect themselves and their families from diseases. In addition, other state agencies, health professionals and non-governmental groups have worked together since 2000 to increase awareness and promote preventive measures. Further information on arboviruses, their prevention, and Maine’s arboviral surveillance data can be found at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/ddc/west_nile_virus.htm. Q. What should I do if I find a dead bird? A. The usual
