TAMPA – The Hillsborough County Health Department issued a warning Friday about mosquito-borne illnesses after two horses in the county tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis.
The rare disease is spread by infected mosquitoes. It can cause brain inflammation and is largely untreatable. Severe cases in humans begin with a sudden headache, high fever, chills and vomiting. The illness may lead to disorientation, seizures and coma.
The health department advises residents to take precautions such as using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and on clothing. Read more…
