Mosquitoes in Florida Are Spreading a Deadly Brain Virus - Futurism

Rare Virus

Orange County, Florida, just released apublic advisory warningthat the Department of Health had found signs of the rare brain-infecting virus, Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) in the area.

EEEV is a particularly rare infection — it tends to spread in remote, swampy areas far from human civilization. But when the disease does strike, it can be grave:Gizmodoreportsthat a bite from aninfected mosquitocan cause severe, fatal brain swelling in a matter of days.

Sentinel Chickens

Health Department officials found EEEV in a flock of sentinel chickens, which local governments use to monitor and track infectious diseases, according to the warning, which included a list of steps people can take toprevent mosquito populationsfrom growing.

If the sentinel chickens are getting bit, that means human infections could follow close behind, according toGizmodo.

Heat Risk

Unfortunately, mosquito-borne illness will likely spread farther into human-populated areas as our planet continues to heat up through climate change, perGizmodo.

While EEEV is rare and human infections that lead to dangerous symptoms are even rarer, scientists have yet to figure out a vaccine or treatment for the disease, posing a problem for our warmer future.

READ MORE:Mosquitos Are Spreading a Rare, Brain-Infecting Virus in Florida[Gizmodo]

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