Florida Cases of Deadly EEE from Mosquitos Are on the Rise
Sure, getting a mosquito bite can be a nuisance, especially if it keeps you up at night with all the itching or flares up in the shower. But, mosquitos can actually be deadly, in some rare cases, including in Florida. Now, cases of eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) from mosquitos are on the rise, including in Florida, and experts are warning residents to take precautions.
Cases of Deadly EEE from Mosquitos Are on the Rise
Is it must me, or are mosquitos extra bad this year? I went outside last night around 8 p.m. and got bit not once but twice within 30 sections. So, I had to head back indoors, even though I really wanted to enjoy the warm summer night. Mosquitos are so annoying, but they can also be very dangerous. Such is the case with EEE, which is “an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection that causes encephalitis or inflammation of the brain,” according to the experts at the New York State Department of Health.
EEE is spread by a mosquito infected with EEE virus biting a human or animal. In addition to humans, EEE can also be deadly in many animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians. What’s really scary is that according to the CDC, “approximately 30% of people with eastern equine encephalitis die, and many survivors have ongoing neurologic problems.” Symptoms include of EEE include “fever, headache, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, behavioral changes and drowsiness.” So, it’s definitely not something you want to get. Also, note that “eastern equine encephalitis virus transmission is most common in and around freshwater hardwood swamps in the Atlantic and Gulf Coast states and the Great Lakes region,” according to the CDC.
In Florida, EEE is much more prevalent this year than last year and has already infected more horses this year than in 2023. According to Newsweek.com, 19 cases of EEE from mosquitos have been recorded in 2024. To catch the virus, you have to get bit by a mosquito. The virus isn’t spread from animal to animal, human to human, or animal to human. Humans and horses are “dead-end” hosts, according to Newsweek.
So, how can you protect yourself from EEE? Since there are no vaccines available, the CDC says the main thing you can do is prevent yourself from getting mosquito bites. So, the CDC recommends you use insect repellent; wear long-sleeved shirts and pants; treat clothing and gear; and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors. Don’t stop enjoying the outside this summer, but take some precautions.
Tick Season Will Be Extra Brutal - How to Protect Yourself
Do This Before You Go Outdoors
If you’re going outdoors, make sure to take precautions. The Pennsylvania Department of Health suggests treating clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. “Permethrin can be used to treat boots, clothing and camping gear and remain protective through several washings,” they state. Also, use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with DEET, picaridin, IR3535, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone. Finally, wear light-colored clothing.
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Avoid Areas That Ticks Love
Of course, the best thing to do is to avoid any contact with ticks. So, try to avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass or fallen leaves. If you are in those areas, walk in the center of the trails. Just stay away from that tall grass at all costs.
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After You've Had Fun Outdoors
When you get inside, check your clothing for tickets. Remove any tickets that you find. Also, “Tumble dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing after you come indoors,” according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health. They also suggest to examine gear and pets, shower soon after being outdoors and check your body for ticks after being outdoors. Finally, shower as soon as you come indoors.
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Where to Find Ticks on Your Body
When you come indoors, do that full body check for ticks. They tend to hide under the arms; in and around the ears; inside belly button; back of the knees; in and around the hair; between the legs; and around the waist. That’s according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health.
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Do This If You Get a Tick Bite
Take it seriously if you get a tick bite. “If you develop a rash or fever within a month of removing a tick, see your doctor as soon as possible,” the Michigan DNR says. “Be sure to tell your doctor about your recent tick bite and when the bite occurred.”
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Remain Calm
If you get a tick bite, above all, remain calm. It can be scary, but if you catch it in time, there are things that can help. That’s why it’s so important to do early detection and look all over your body and clothes after being outdoors. So, you don’t have to say no to going out doors, but say no to ticks.
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