Volusia Health Officials Warn Of Mosquito-Borne Illness

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Volusia County, FL - Residents of Volusia County are being advised by the Florida Department of Health that there is an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity.  One human case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has been confirmed and there is a heightened concern additional residents could be affected. According to DOH-Volusia officials, there has not been a case of EEE in more than 15 years in Volusia County.  During the month of July, an advisory was issued due to two confirmed cases of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE).  One case was a horse and the other was a donkey. Several sentinel chicken flocks and an emu also tested positive for EEE infection earlier this summer.

The risk of transmission to humans has increased. Volusia County Mosquito Control and DOH-Volusia continue surveillance and prevention efforts.

DOH-Volusia said that residents and visitors should take basic precautions to help limit exposure.  Drain standing water and discard of unused items that could collect water.  Take precautions when outdoors by wearing shoes, socks, and long pants and long sleeves.  Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.

The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for a number of mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis and malaria.

Contact your county health department for more information.