Residents of Berkeley Heights, New Jersey, have been asked to use bug spray and wear long clothes if they are outside between dusk and dawn after mosquitoes in the area tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.
In addition to public warnings, the officials of Union County will spray parks and fields in attempts to reduce the local mosquito population.
According to the Center for Disease Control, Eastern Equine Encephalitis is spread by mosquitoes to horses and humans. The symptoms of E.E.E. include chills, fever and muscle and joint pain. In severe cases, the virus can lead to death.
A story posted to CBS.com said that at least 20 cases of E.E.E. have been reported across six states including, New Jersey and Connecticut. Deaths from the disease have been reported in Rhode Island, Michigan and Massachusetts.
Berkeley Heights resident Adrian Austin said, "I have three grandchildren and it's scary. We sit outside a lot so I'll start putting on bug spray."
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