The Florida Department of Health in Orange County just released a warning reminding people to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases.
Health officials warned people as mosquito-borne virus called Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) is circulating in Orange County, Florida. This rare brain-infecting virus was identified in a flock of sentinel chickens, which local governments use to monitor and track infectious diseases.
EEEV is a rare infection that is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. This virus is found to multiply in remote, swampy areas far from human civilization. But if an infected mosquito bites a person, it can cause swelling of the brain and sometimes be fatal.
EEEV is carried by Culiseta melanura mosquitoes and it doesn’t bite humans directly. These mosquitoes can pass on the virus to other types of mosquitoes that bite humans.
To avoid this dangerous disease, experts suggest people can prevent mosquito bites by using insect repellent or wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants. You should also get rid of standing water around the home and should also avoid going outdoors between dusk and dawn.
