Alert:The risk is high for brain swelling virus carried by mosquitoes

Orange County, Fla. — Mosquitoes are pesky but they also carry dangerous diseases.

We are happy to report that the Florida Department of Health says the state is a Zika-Free zone so far this year with only 17 travel cases reported.

But now, there is a new warning about the Eastern equine encephalitis virus(EEEV.)

It is also a mosquito-borne virus that is potentially fatal.

EEEV causes brain swelling in humans and several sentinel chickens have tested positive for the infection.

This comes at the same time the Florida Health Department reported an uptick in mosquito-borne disease activity in Orange County.

Health officials warn residents and visitor to do your best to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes, reminding you to “Drain and Cover.”

Drain standing water around your home:

Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
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 swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent:

Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.

Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective.
Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
Repair broken screens on windows and doors.

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