Patient discussions
People living and/or working in endemic areas (e.g., eastern seaboard and Gulf Coast of North America) should be aware of the signs and symptoms of infection, and advice from an infectious disease specialist should be sought if any signs or symptoms appear, or if infection is suspected.
Advise patients on appropriate actions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes:[41][42]
Wear protective clothing (e.g., long-sleeved shirts and long trousers); clothes and other outdoor gear may be treated with permethrin, but directions on the package insert must be followed.
Use insect repellent (e.g., DEET [N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide], icaridin, IR3535, 2-undecanone, or oil of lemon eucalyptus) on exposed skin and/or clothing.
Use mosquito nets (possibly impregnated with insecticide).
Use secure and intact screens on windows and doors in the house to keep mosquitoes out, particularly at night.
Empty, clean, or cover containers that can hold water to reduce areas where mosquitoes can breed, including in and around households.
Avoid outside activities during times of the day when mosquitoes are active.
Advise patients not to donate blood for 120 days (4 months) after resolution of illness. It has been documented that eastern equine encephalitis virus may be transmitted via solid organ transplantation, and potentially by blood transfusions.[41]
Patient-orientated information is available from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
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