Health officials in Florida announce a slight increase in mosquito-borne virus that causes swelling of the brain

Health officials in central Florida have reported an increase in cases of Eastern Equine Encephalitis, a rare virus transmitted by a mosquito that can cause brain inflammation and can be fatal.

Several sentinel chickens from the same herd have been tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis and the risk of transmission to humans has increased, announced last week the Florida Department of Health in County ################################################################ 39; Orange.

The symptoms of EEE begin with the sudden onset of headaches, high fever, chills and vomiting about four to ten days after the bite of an infected mosquito, according to the Center. control and prevention of diseases. The disease could then degenerate into disorientation, convulsions and coma.

About five to ten cases of EEE are reported each year in the United States, and about one-third of the patients who suffer from it die, according to the CDC. Many who survive end up with mild to severe brain damage.

According to the US veterinarian, sentinel chicken coops are placed in areas considered endemic to mosquitoes and are regularly tested for mosquito-borne viruses, such as West Nile, in West Nile. Although chickens show the presence of viruses, they do not develop the symptoms badociated with them.

Often, when a sample proves positive, county health officials multiply spraying and carry out door-to-door surveys in the immediate vicinity.

The Orange County Health Department has advised residents to remove stagnant water from garbage cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots and other containers. soiled by water or rain, to prevent mosquitoes by multiplying.

Residents were also asked to protect themselves with clothing, such as pants and long sleeves, and anti-mosquito on bare skin.