Florida has discovered a deadly mosquito-borne virus

The Florida State Department of Health has reported the discovery of a dangerous eastern equine encephalitis virus that causes brain swelling and in every third case can lead to death. Officials noted that mosquitoes carry the virus.

Фото: Depositphotos

Last week, state officials issued a warning about Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) after it was detected in “several control chickens in one group,” writes New York Post.

“Areas in Orange County are experiencing an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity,” Health Department officials said. “The risk of transmission to humans has increased.”

Although on average only seven cases of virus infection are recorded annually in the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that the disease is fatal in about 30% of cases.

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“People over 50 years of age and under 15 years of age are at greatest risk of developing severe disease when infected with EEEV,” the agency says on its website. — EEEV infection can lead to one of two types of disease, systemic or encephalitic (including cerebral edema). The type of disease will depend on the person's age and other factors."

People who become infected with EEEV typically begin to notice symptoms—fever, headache, chills, diarrhea and irritability—about 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, according to the CDC.

“Death usually occurs 2-10 days after the onset of symptoms, but sometimes much later,” it said. “Many survivors are left with disabling and progressive mental and physical sequelae that can range from minimal brain dysfunction to severe mental impairment, personality disorders, seizures, paralysis and cranial nerve dysfunction. Many patients die within a few years with severe consequences.”

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Florida health officials recommend protective measures for residents: they should drain and throw away objects around their homes that may contain water and attract mosquitoes, cover their skin with clothing and apply repellents.

“The department continues to conduct statewide surveillance of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus infections, equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue,” officials said. “Florida residents are encouraged to report dead birds through the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website.”

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