Bartow - The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) confirms a positive case of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a horse. This is the 13th mammal to be reported with EEE statewide during 2015 and the second in Polk County within the past two weeks. EEE can be transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. It is a rare illness in humans, and only a few cases are reported in the United States each year. There have been no human cases of EEE in the state of Florida reported in 2015.  Residents are advised to avoid mosquito bites by taking the necessary precautions.

"Avoiding mosquito bites is the key to preventing any type of mosquito-borne diseases," said Dr. Ulyee Choe, Director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk. "Floridians and visitors are encouraged to take precautionary measures to help reduce the chance of being bitten. Remember to drain and cover."

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.

*             Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.

*             Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.

*             Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.

*             Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER skin with clothing or repellent.

*             Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeves.

*             Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out.

*             Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

Most persons infected with EEEV have no apparent illness. Severe cases of EEE (involving encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain) begin with the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, and vomiting. The illness may then progress into disorientation, seizures, or coma.

There is no specific treatment for EEE. If you experience symptoms of eastern equine encephalitis, consult with your health care provider and protect yourself against further mosquito bites. Avoiding mosquito bites while you are sick will help to protect others from getting infected.

For more information, visit The Florida Department of Health website at https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/eastern-equine-encephalitis/index.html  or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/EasternEquineEncephalitis/index.html.

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