It really seems like every summer gets worse. Another year has gone by, and now a new Florida mosquito disease rears its ugly head. While rare, this disease is one of the most dangerous that you can get from a parasite.
Florida Mosquito Disease: Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV)
One of the most dangerous but thankfully rare mosquito-borne diseases has been spotted again in Florida, state health officials say. According to a public advisory issued this month by the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) was found in the state. The virus is capable of causing severe brain damage that can kill up to a third of its human victims.
EEEV can be spread by several species of mosquitoes, including those that make their home along with the warmer areas of the U.S. Though many people infected with EEEV either develop no or only flu-like symptoms, around 5 percent go on to experience serious brain swelling. This swelling can then lead to headaches, drowsiness, convulsions, and coma, with death coming as quickly as two days after symptoms start. And even if you’re lucky enough to survive the experience, you’ll probably be left with lifelong neurological impairment.
This is why prevention is so important. But, you can help in the fight against the new Florida mosquito disease. Make sure to keep your home and the areas around it free from standing water. Not only that, but you should get screens on your windows and doors. Also, make sure to seal up cracks in your home that they may squeeze through. And, if all else fails, contact a pro. There’s not much a layman can do about a mosquito infestation. The bugs are just too small and prolific. Just one mistake can lead to an infestation in your yard or home.
