Rare, Brain-Infecting Virus Being
Spread by Florida Mosquitos .
State officials have reported the return of the
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) in Florida. .
According to a health advisory released on July 25,
EEEV has been detected in a number of "sentinel chickens"
that were purposely stationed in a high-risk area.
Several sentinel chickens in the same flock have
tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis
virus (EEEV) infection...The risk of
transmission to humans has increased, Florida Department of Health in
Orange County, via statement.
Humans that contract EEEV develop flu-like
symptoms, with around 5% going on to experience
deadly brain swelling and death in as little as two days. .
The virus is spread by several species of mosquitoes,
mainly those that live in swampy, warm areas.
The saving grace of EEEV is that it does not replicate enough
in the human body to keep the train of transmission going. .
According to the CDC, an average
of seven people are diagnosed
with EEEV annually in the U.S.
There is currently no specific treatment or
vaccine available for those affected by EEEV.