Warning: Deadly mosquito-borne virus detected in Florida

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County, Florida, issued an alert that warns residents that there has been an increase in the activity of mosquito-borne diseases such as the deadly Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus (EEE).

Several chickens in the same chicken coop used as sentries to detect the virus were positive in the EEE test and therefore the “risk of transmission to humans has increased, Orange county health authorities warned on its website.”

The Department of Health and mosquito control agencies will continue surveillance and prevention efforts.

The virus is a rare cause of brain infections (encephalitis). Only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. Most occur in the eastern states or the Gulf Coast.

Approximately 30 percent of people with EEE die and many survivors have neurological problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The incubation period from the bite of the infected mosquito to the onset of the disease varies from 4 to 10 days. EEE infection can cause one of two types of disease, systemic or encephalitic (which involves inflammation of the brain).

It is possible that some people who become infected with EEE may be asymptomatic (they will not develop any symptoms), the CDC said

Systemic infection has an abrupt onset and is characterized by chills, fever, discomfort, intense pain in the joints and muscles.

To protect against mosquitoes the formula is “drain and cover”

The Orange County Department of Health recommends that people take the following measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites:

1. Drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying like trash cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, refrigerators, toys, flower pots or any other where water has accumulated from rain.

2. Dispose of old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that are not being used.

3. Empty and clean the bird’s drinking bowls and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.

4. Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.

5. Keep the pools in good condition and properly chlorinated. Empty plastic pools when not in use.

Health authorities also recommend wearing shoes, socks and long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where there are mosquitoes.

Apply mosquito repellent to skin and clothing and use them following the instructions on the label. Repellents with DEET, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol and IR3535 are effective.