Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus reported in Hamilton resident

The City of Hamilton Public Health Services is reporting a confirmed human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).

They say that the case is an adult resident of Hamilton with no known travel history.

This is the first case of EEE reported to Hamilton Public Health Services in 2025.

EEE is transmitted through a virus typically found in birds. Humans and horses bitten by an infected mosquito can become ill with the virus.

Two horse cases of EEE have been reported to the city, including one case confirmed on Aug. 18.

Symptoms of EEE in people usually appear three to ten days after an infected mosquito bites a person. Most people bitten by an infected mosquito won’t have any symptoms. Others will only get a mild flu-like illness with fever, headache and fatigue.

Severe cases of EEE involve encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain. It typically starts with a sudden headache, high fever, chills and vomiting.

To avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, the city of Hamilton is reminding people to use bug spray containing DEET or Icaridin and to wear long sleeves and long pants when outdoors in areas where mosquitoes might be.

They also say to remove standing water from your property weekly due to it being a breeding area for mosquitoes.

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