Eastern equine encephalitis: Four cases in county

The Florida Department of Health in Marion County is advising residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity.

A horse tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis virus infection on May 17. That marks four animal cases in the county this year: three horses and an emu.

According to a news release, the department reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to limit exposure.

To protect from mosquitoes, “drain and cover”:

+ Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or other containers where water has collected.

+ Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and items not 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 swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

+ Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long sleeves.

+ Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

+ Use repellents according to the label. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old. For information about repellents, use the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool: http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform.

The department conducts statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue. Residents are encouraged to report dead birds at http://legacy.myfwc.com/bird/default.asp.

For more information, visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/%5C/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html.