Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
The Florida Department of Health in Jefferson County (FDOH-Jefferson) is advising residents and especially horse owners to be aware of increased activity in mosquito-borne diseases.
The department reports multiple cases of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus infections in horses in various areas of the county, with a resulting increase in the risk of transmission to humans.
EEE, also known as sleeping sickness, is a viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, according to health experts. Wild birds are a natural reservoir for the EEE virus, and mosquitoes that feed on such birds can transmit the virus to mammals, horses and humans included.
EEE cases are most commonly seen in the southeastern U.S., with mosquitoes being the primary vector, experts say. The disease is reported to have a high mortality rate in horses and humans, and is considered among the most serious mosquito-borne diseases in the U.S.
The clinical signs of EEE often appear abruptly. These signs can include depression, anorexia, fever and lethargy. Neurological signs may include tremors, weakness, ataxia, paralysis, seizures, decreased awareness of surroundings and recumbency in horses.
The prognosis for horses diagnosed with EEE is reportedly very poor. The disease has a high mortality rate, with up to 90 percent of infected horses dying from the disease, according to the literature. Horses with neurological signs that become unable to stand on their own have the poorest chances for survival, and horses that do survive can have permanent brain damage.
“Jefferson County Mosquito Control and FDOH-Jefferson continue surveillance and prevention efforts,” states the health department advisory.
Health officials advise residents and visitors to take precautions to limit exposure to mosquito bites.
Among the precautions that the department advises to protect from mosquitoes bites are: drain standing water to prevent mosquitoes from reproducing; drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, toys, flowerpots and other containers where sprinkler or rainwater may collect and allow mosquitoes to breed; and wear protective clothing outdoors.
For more complete information, visit www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or contact your county health department at (850) 342-0170.