Two horses in Pasco County have tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis, posing a risk to humans, according to the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County.
The encephalitis is rare, and is caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes that can cause brain inflammation.
While disease transmission does not occur directly from person to person, it can be transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Those at highest risk are people who live in or visit woodland areas, people who work or participate in outdoor recreational activities where there is greater exposure to potentially infected mosquitoes.
Mosquito-borne infections in people can cause headache, fever, dizziness, confusion, movement disorders and coma, health department officials said, in a release.
Protecting from mosquito bites means following the “Five Ds,” officials said.
• Dusk and Dawn — Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood.
• Dress — Wear clothing that covers most of the skin.
• DEET — When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing up to 30 percent DEET are recommended. Other effective repellents include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535.
• Drainage — Check around the home to rid the area of standing water, where mosquitoes lay eggs.
Elimination of breeding sites also is key to prevention, officials said. That means it’s best to:
• Clean out eaves, troughs and gutters.
• Remove old tires or drill holes in those used in playgrounds to allow drainage.
• Turn over or remove plastic pots, and pick up all beverage containers and cups.
• Check tarps on boats or other equipment that may collect water.
• Pump out bilges on boats.
• Replace water in birdbaths, animal dishes and plant trays at least once a week.
• Change water in plant trays, including hanging plants, at least once a week.
• Remove vegetation or obstructions in drainage ditches that prevent the flow of water.
There is no vaccine to protect humans from this form of encephalitis, but horse owners can contact their veterinarian for information on vacations of horses against mosquito-borne diseases.
For more information, call (352) 521-1450 and select Option 6, or click here.
