Eastern Equine Encephalitis Reported in Citrus Park Area

Officials from the Hillsborough County Health Department are asking Carrollwood area residents to be on high alert for those pesky little mosquitoes that like to come out at dusk and dawn.

A horse from the Citrus Park area has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis. The mosquito-borne disease is considered “one of the most severe mosquito-transmitted diseases in the United States with approximately 33% mortality and significant brain damage in most survivors,” according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control website.

Only a few human cases are reported each year throughout the United States, the CDC says. Hillsborough has already had one human case this year.

Symptoms of infection in humans include sudden onset headaches, high fevers, vomiting and chills.

The Citrus Park horse is believed to have been infected in mid-July, according to an email from the Hillsborough County Health Department. The animal has since been euthanized.

While this most recent case involves a horse – not a human – Steve Huard, spokesman for the agency, said it serves as a warning for residents to avoid contact with mosquitoes.

“In March of this year we had a human case and now we’ve seen it in a horse,” Huard said. “The simple fact we’re seeing it locally still really means folks in the community need to take extra precautions and try not to get bitten at all.”

Eastern Equine Encephalitis or not, Huard said mosquitoes can be pretty nasty buggers well worth avoiding in Florida.

“If you live in the subtropics, which we do, you’ve got to be aware of this every day,” he said. “Now that we saw the horse, we want to make extra certain people pay attention.”

All of Hillsborough County has been under a mosquito-borne advisory since March 25, the health department’s email said. Other threats from mosquitoes include the West Nile Virus.

How to Avoid Bites

The health department offers these tips for avoiding bites:

• DRAIN: standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
• DISCARD: Old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used 
• EMPTY and CLEAN: Birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week
• PROTECT: Boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water
• MAINTAIN: The water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
• COVER: your skin with clothing and use mosquito repellent.
• CLOTHING: If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
• REPELLENT: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months. Keep mosquitoes out of your house. Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.