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3 Different Bangor Area Animals Test Positive For EEE & West Nile

By Cori

3 Different Bangor Area Animals Test Positive For EEE & West Nile

Bangor City Hall issued a statement this week, asking residents to protect themselves from mosquito bites as 2 local animals recently tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis and 1 tested positive for West Nile Virus.

Read More: In Maine, Avoid Wearing these 4 Colors Unless You Love Mosquitoes

According to their website, while these diseases are usually rare, they can present many health complications, so it's better to take steps to prevent coming in contact with infected insects.

"Bangor Public Health and Community Services reports that the City was informed last week by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention that a llama tested positive for EEE. A few weeks ago an emu in the region tested positive for the same disease. And a crow found in Bangor was positive for West Nile Virus."

The warning on the City's Facebook Page lists some symptoms to watch out for if you think you may have contracted one of the viruses.

"EEE is a rare but serious disease that spreads through the bite of an infected mosquito. Signs and symptoms of EEE include fever and chills, weakness, headaches, and confusion. Symptoms of West Nile Virus are similar to those of EEE."

The Maine CDC has plenty of information on how to lower your risk of getting a mosquito bite, and what you can do to keep the bugs at bay.

Your best bet; wear insect repellent and take care of any standing water where bugs could breed.

You can find specific information about Eastern Equine Encephalitis by clicking here.

In July, a new mosquito borne virus called the Jamestown Virus, was detected in a pool of insects taken from the Orono area, but was not detected in and humans that we know of.

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