Another Jackson County horse positive for encephalitis

Floridan Staff Report
Published: July 31, 2008

The Jackson County Health Department has released yet another mosquito-born illness advisory.

The announcement comes after another horse was tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, according to a report from JCHD.

Several horses around the county have tested positive for EEE, with the most recent one being located on Joseph Street in Sneads, said the report.

The report said that the risk of transmission to humans has increased, and urged residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that may cause the encephalitis disease.

JCHD said that as it continues to monitor the disease, it encourages people to keep in mind the “5 Ds”:

• Dusk and dawn - Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood. For many species, this is during the dusk and dawn hours.

• Dress - Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.

• DEET - When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, or N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) are recommended. Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are other repellent options.

• Drainage - Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, which is where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.