QUITMAN, Ga. – A horse in Brooks County has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, according to public health officials Friday.

EEE is a mosquito-borne illness that can sometimes be transmitted to humans. Only a few human cases are reported in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most people infected with the virus that causes EEE have no apparent illness, the CDC said, but severe cases can be fatal.

“EEE is one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the United States with approximately 33 percent mortality and significant brain damage in most survivors,” the CDC website said.

Friday’s announcement followed an announcement Monday of a human case of West Nile Virus in Albany and an equine case in Worth County. Like EEE, West Nile Virus is a mosquito-borne illness that affects horses and sometimes people.

Public health officials encourage South Georgians to wear mosquito spray whenever outdoors to guard against mosquito-borne illnesses, according to a press release.

“While we see these types of reports each year, it’s still important for us to remember the importance of preventing mosquito bites whenever possible,” said Kenneth Lowery, district epidemiologist. “Mosquito-borne illnesses can cause severe sickness, brain damage or death in some cases.”

Most mosquito-borne illnesses are transmitted to humans and animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.

“Even though it’s rare for a human to be infected with these illnesses, anyone can become ill after being bit by an infected mosquito. The risk is higher for people who spend a lot of time outdoors, live in wooded or swampy areas, or have traveled overseas to certain areas,” Lowery said.

Tips to prevent mosquito bites are:

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picardin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing.

• Wear long sleeves and pants when weather permits.

• Have secure, intact screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

• Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites by emptying standing water from flower pots, buckets, barrels, wading pools and other containers. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.

• Be sure to use repellent and wear protective clothing from dusk to dawn or consider indoor activities during these times due to peak mosquito biting hours.

Although there is no vaccine for humans to prevent mosquito-borne illness, there are EEE and West Nile Virus vaccines available for horses. Consult a veterinarian for horse vaccinations as early as possible, according to the press release.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website: www.cdc.gov.