Deadly virus transmitted by mosquitoes detected at Fla.

Several sentinel chickens have been tested positive for the EEE, which can be transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes and cause brain infection and swelling, said the Florida Department of Health in Orange. County in a statement released Thursday. Sentinel chickens are poultry that are regularly tested for West Nile Virus and IAS. Their blood can show the presence of diseases, but they do not suffer the effects of viruses.

Following positive tests on sentinel chickens in Orange County, the health department said "the risk of transmission to humans has increased".

In the United States, about seven cases of human EEE are reported each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

However, the disease can be fatal: about 30% of people who contract this disease die, according to the CDC. Many survivors have persistent neurological problems.

People develop symptoms about 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, the CDC says. Signs include sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. Disorientation, convulsions and coma are more serious symptoms.

While the summer is in full swing, mosquitoes swarm around the population peaks. Officials cautioned people against the risk of biting by draining stagnant water around their homes, covering their skin with clothing or mosquito repellent, and using screens to cover doors and windows. Windows.