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FL: Human Case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed In Hillsborough Co.

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  • FL: Human Case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed In Hillsborough Co.

    Source: http://www.doh.state.fl.us/environme...3_HumanEEE.pdf

    For Immediate Release
    March 25, 2013
    Contact:
    Steve Huard, Public Information Officer
    Florida Department of Health, Hillsborough County
    (813) 298-2024, Cell

    Human Case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis Confirmed

    The Florida Department of Health, Hillsborough County has confirmed the first human case of locally acquired Eastern Equine Encephalitis or EEE for 2013 in the Northwestern part of Hillsborough County. The individual was most likely infected earlier this month, and is currently recovering under physicians care. The last human case of locally acquired Eastern Equine Encephalitis in Hillsborough County was in August of 2010. The Florida Department of Health, Hillsborough County is issuing an advisory for the community to take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes.

    ?We are thankful that this individual is recovering, and doing well,? said Dr. Douglas Holt, MD, Director, Florida Department of Health, Hillsborough County. ?While it?s unusual that we see a case of EEE so early in the year, it?s not that surprising given that we?ve had a very mild winter locally?.

    According to Dr. Holt, it?s important for residents to stay vigilant year round
    because infections carried by mosquitos or arbovirus? like EEE, and West Nile Virus remain active in our community year round.

    Mosquito-Borne Illness advisories are declared when human cases of locally
    -acquired endemic or exotic arboviral disease have been confirmed, or when evidence of intense virus transmission activityhas been detected in animal surveillance systems.

    According to Amanda Pullman, Epidemiologist, Florida Department of Health, Hillsborough County, symptoms may include fever, headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, anorexia, vomiting,diarrhea, cyanosis, convulsions, and coma.

    Eastern Equine Encephalitis is a rare disease that is caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. The EEE virus is one of a group of mosquito-
    transmitted viruses that can cause inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). In the United States, approximately 5-10 EEE cases are reported annually. EEE isonly transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, and does not occur directly from person to person.

    The Florida Department of Health, Hillsborough County is working closely with Hillsborough County Mosquito and Aquatic Weed Control,
    http://www.hillsboroughcounty.org/mosquito ,to reduce the risk of mosquito
    -borne disease throughout the county.
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