Content Information
A. Isolation and Quarantine Requirements
For most cases of encephalitis there are no isolation and quarantine requirements. However, for encephalitis caused by an organism that is otherwise reportable, please refer to the chapter of that specific organism or disease for the appropriate isolation and quarantine requirements.
B. Protection of Contacts of a Case
In most cases of encephalitis, there are no recommendations for protection of contacts of a case. There is no approved vaccine available, and transmission from person-to-person and animal-to-person (except from ratites, ostriches and emus) does not occur.
C. Managing Special Situations
Reported Incidence Is Higher than Usual/Outbreak Suspected
If an outbreak is suspected, contact the Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) at (800) 362-2736. The situation may warrant an investigation of clustered cases or implementation of effective prevention and control measures (e.g., spraying for mosquitoes). CADE can help determine a course of action to prevent further cases and can perform surveillance for cases across town lines and therefore be difficult to identify at a local level.
D. Preventive Measures
Surveillance
In Iowa, CADE, SHL, Iowa State University, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship conduct environmental surveillance of mosquitoes, sentinel chickens, through dead bird collection and testing and the reporting of WNV and EEE positives in domestic and wildlife species in several sites throughout the state. Results of these surveillance efforts are used to detect presence of the virus to help target prevention and control messages throughout the state.
CADE in cooperation with other state agencies may provide guidance in the use of pesticides for the control of mosquitoes. Decisions about the need for mosquito pesticide spraying are normally made by local cities and towns based on mosquito habitat and density, surveillance for LAC, SLE, and WNV in mosquitoes, numbers of cases in birds and other animals, and numbers of cases in humans.
Environmental Measures
Make sure there are good screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Get rid of mosquito breeding sites by emptying standing water from flowerpots, buckets, barrels and children’s wading pools when not in use. Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in birdbaths every 3-4 days. Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.
Personal Preventive Measures/Education
People, are encouraged to protect themselves from mosquito bites. When outdoors, use insect repellents such as those containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) and follow the directions on the package. DEET is the most effective insect repellent available. The more DEET a repellent contains the longer it will be effective. DEET concentrations higher than 50% do not increase the length of protection. Repellants containing picaridin and oil of leman eucalyptus have also been found to be effective. Use repellents at the lowest effective concentration. Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning indoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when possible. Spray clothing with products containing DEET or permethrin, as mosquitoes may bite through thin clothing. Permethrin should only be used on clothing; do not apply it directly to skin. Wash treated clothing before wearing it again. Many mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn; consider staying indoors during these hours. Persons should also use gloves when handling horses and birds that are sick with or have died from arboviral infection. Persons in the environment of ratites (emus, ostriches, rheas) infected with EEE should take strict precautions when handling sick or dead animals or their secretions/excretions.
Iowa Dept. of Public Health, Reviewed 7/15