Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV)

Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) is a mosquito-borne disease that can cause severe symptoms such as brain infections. In the United States, few human cases are reported each year. According to the CDC, in 2018 only 6 human cases were reported nationwide. However, Florida is one of the areas in which residents are at higher risk due to the proximity to freshwater hardwood swamps. With a total of 13 incidents, Florida has the highest number of reported cases since 2009, – 3 of which were in 2018. The virus was detected in Florida once again in 2019, which is why it is important to know the symptoms and take proper precautions to keep you and your family protected against mosquitoes!

Symptoms & Treatment
Symptoms tend to develop 4 – 10 days after an infected mosquito bites and can range from mild to stronger symptoms.

Mosquito to bird, bird to mosquito and mosquito transmits EEEV to human.

The symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Muscle aches
  • Headache
  • Discomfort
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Seizures

Although anyone can contract this disease, those under the age of 15 and over 50 are at a higher risk of a severe case of contracting EEEV. If you or anyone you know starts to show any of the above symptoms it is important to contact your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito, usually the Aedes aegypti. More than one-third of the world’s population is at risk to contract the dengue virus. Dengue is most prevalent in tropical and subtropical areas, therefore international travelers are most at risk. In 2019, by mid-August the Florida Department of Health had issued an advisory for Dengue and confirmed a locally acquired case in Miami-Dade County and by mid-October 2019, the number of locally acquired cases of Dengue had risen to 10.

 

Symptoms & Treatment
Symptoms of Dengue usually arise within two weeks of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms of dengue include:

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Eye, joint, muscle and bone pain
  • Rash or mild bleeding manifestation

There is no specific medication or treatment for dengue, those infected should seek medical attention, take pain relievers and drink plenty of fluids.

Eliminate standing water, keep greenery trimmed, wear long sleeved shirts and pants, & have a barrier treatment in place like those offered by Mosquito Joe.

Prevention & Control

There are various precautions you can take to further protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases.

Take precautions when traveling internationally:

  • Stay in locations with air conditioning or screened windows
  • Use a bed net when sleeping
  • Check the CDC website for warnings and health notices

Prevent mosquito bites during travel and at home:

  • Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts
  • Wear repellent with DEET
  • Cover baby strollers and carriers with mosquito netting
  • Eliminate standing water from your property to eliminate mosquito breeding sites
  • Keep grass, shrubs, and bushes neatly trimmed
  • Mosquito barrier control treatments like ones provided by Mosquito Joe

Mosquito Joe of Miami offers both synthetic and all-natural mosquito solutions to give you and your family an extra layer of protection against mosquito-borne diseases. Call us or fill out a request form online for a free quote!

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