MONDAY, July 29, 2019 (HealthDay News) — There’s an increased risk of a mosquito-borne virus that causes brain infection and swelling, Florida health officials warn.

Latest Infectious Disease News

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in several sentinel chickens, according to the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, CNN reported.

Sentinel chickens are tested regularly for the West Nile virus and EEE.

After the positive tests for EEE virus in the sentinel chickens in Orange Couty, the health department said “the risk of transmission to humans has increased,” CNN reported.

Only about seven human cases of the EEE virus reported in the US each year. However, about one-third of people who contract it die, and many survivors have long-term neurological problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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