Mosquitos are a part of living in Florida, especially during the warmer months. Typically they are a nuisance. But unfortunately, now a rare mosquito-borne disease has been spotted again in Florida according to Florida State Health Officials. In Orange County, the Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) was found in Florida. The EEE virus is capable of causing severe brain damage that can kill up to a third of its human victims.
Some of the Florida mosquito species are capable of transmitting diseases to humans, horses, and other animals. Symptoms of these diseases range from mild to very severe. Mosquito-borne diseases found in Florida include St. Louis encephalitis, West Nile virus disease, and Eastern equine encephalitis which just reappeared again.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE)
The virus EEE can be spread by several species of mosquitoes, including those in 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 (the titular encephalitis). 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.
Usually, EEEV rarely comes into contact with people. The primary vector species which spreads the disease lives in swampy areas away from cities. The virus reaches a dead end with humans and horses since the virus doesn’t replicate enough in our bodies for other mosquitoes to suck it back up and keep the virus alive. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are an average of seven cases of EEEV diagnosed annually in the U.S. In 2018, and there were only six.
Drive-Bye Exterminators supports Florida health officials in reminding people to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases. The risk of transmission to humans has increased.
Sentinel Chickens
In the Orange County area, Sentinel chickens tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) according to The Florida Department of Health.
Sentinel chickens are used primarily for detection of the mosquito-borne West Nile virus, which causes a brain infection in people, horses, and other animals. Sentinel chickens are also used to monitor for the presence of EEE, a viral brain disease. The reason they test with the chickens is that they become infected with WNV if bitten by mosquitoes, but don’t develop symptoms of the disease. Within a week of being bitten by an infected mosquito, their bodies produce antibodies to WNV. The sentinel chickens’ response notifies public health officials that the potentially deadly disease is in a particular vicinity.
Symptoms
The EEE Symptoms appear about 4 to 10 days post-infection and can include:
- high fever
- chills
- vomiting
- sudden onset of headache
- disorientation
- seizures
- coma
Many survivors will experience ongoing neurological problems, according to the CDC. The disease can also infect several animals, including mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Prevention
Experts say the best way to prevent mosquito-borne viruses is by:
- Getting rid of standing water around the home and in the yard
- Using screens to cover doors and windows
- Covering skin with clothing or repellent
- Avoiding the outdoors between dusk and dawn
We have different maintenance programs for unwanted pests like termites, roaches, ants, bed bugs, silverfish, fleas, spiders, and more. We offer same day, one-time, monthly, quarterly, and yearly extermination service programs which are all very useful pest control programs.
If you suspect a roach problem, contact a local experienced pest control company for an inspection immediately before they spread diseases?
Drive-Bye Exterminators offers home and commercial pest control services in Clearwater, Florida, and the surrounding areas. Family owned and operated for over 25 years, Drive-Bye Exterminators has state certified inspectors, and exterminators provide roach, subterranean termite, dry wood termite, roaches, spider, ant, and flea services to both commercial and residential clients. Whether a business owner needs help getting rid of a termite infestation, or a homeowner wants to rid their kitchen of ants, Drive-Bye Exterminators offers each client the same level of professionalism and excellence.
Request a FREE Pest Control or Termite Inspection today with the Professionals of Drive-Bye Exterminators. Contact Us Today at 727-787-2127.
