Mosquito-Borne Illnesses Increase in Volusia County

Port Orange, FL - Mosquito-borne illness activity have increased in the county recently according to the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.

As of now two cases of eastern equine encephalitis have been confirmed in a horse and a donkey. The EEE infection was also found in several sentinel chicken flocks and an emu. There have been no human cases reported but the risk of transmission to humans has risen.

The virus, eastern equine encephalitis, is transmitted to humans through a mosquito bite, but cases in the US are very rare. People infected with the disease often have no apparent illnesses but in severe cases it can result in death.

There are several precautions that can be taken to be protected from being bitten:

• Drain any standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
• Cover skin with clothing or repellent.
• Use screens on your windows and doors.
• Use mosquito repellent.

To read more about taking precautions click here.