Florida could increase cases of eastern equine encephalitis, a disease caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousFlorida Department of Health officials have reported the spread of a disease transmitted by infected mosquito bites. Numerous examples of sentinel chickens have in fact tested positive for iinfection caused by the eastern equine encephalitis virus.
Sentinel chickens are tested regularly for the virus to monitor the spread of the disease.
There are only seven cases of human infection in the United States each year, but following positive tests on birds, the department reports that the risk of transmission of the virus to humans is increased.
Generally only about 4-5% of virus infections cause encephalitis: le people most at risk are those who carry out outdoor activities, as well as those under the age of 15 and over 50.
I symptoms of the disease they appear 4 to 10 days after contracting the virus after being bitten by infected mosquitoes and include sudden headaches, high fever, chills and vomiting.
La disease it can cause brain infection, seizures, disorientation and bring the subject into a coma.
The infection is fatal in 30% of cases and can cause permanent neurological damage in surviving patients.
Officials will step up surveillance and control work on mosquitoes and recommend citizens and tourists to take all necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
prevent mosquito bites, the department suggests covering the skin with long clothing or using effective repellents, avoiding standing water around homes and always closing mosquito nets.
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Tatiana Maselli
