Viruses from mosquitoes on increase

Viruses from mosquitoes on increase

Health officials recently confirmed a case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis in a horse in St. Johns County. Volusia County leads the state in the number of horses that have fallen victim to EEE - seven this year so far.

The virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito.

In fact, Volusia County health officials first issued a public human health advisory in February, and that advisory still stands. And, according to health officials, it’s likely to get worse. Once the rainy season starts usually about this time of the year, the number of mosquitoes will begin to increase.

The only year in the past six that had more infected horses by mid-May was 2003, when 207 horses eventually contracted encephalitis. In 2005, 15 horses had been struck by May 1, but eventually 150 horses tested positive for the disease and five people, including three who died. That year 21 people in Florida also were treated for West Nile virus.

No human cases of Eastern equine or West Nile have been reported in Florida so far this year.

Mosquito-borne infections in people can cause headache, fever, dizziness, confusion, movement disorders and coma.

In the meantime officials are encouraging people to take steps to protect themselves against mosquitoes.

The 5 D's of mosquito protection

DUSK AND DAWN: Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, at dusk and dawn.

DRESS: Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.

DEET: If you must be outside, use insect repellents containing DEET (N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide). Picaridin and oil of lemon eucalyptus are other options.

DRAINAGE: Be diligent at preventing any standing water in your yard where mosquitoes can lay eggs, such as under flower pots and in empty containers.

For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, go to floridashealth.com