United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Deadly mosquito borne virus detected in Florida
A new mosquito-borne threat has been discovered in the Sunshine State.
Researchers are warning residents about the little known Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) which they say has been discovered in Orange County.
Normally there are fewer than 10 cases of EEEV a year in the US but the virus is dangerous with a 30% fatality rate.
It can cause brain swelling in humans and survivors can have lasting neurological issues.
The Orange County Health Department said the ‘risk of transmission to humans has increased’ after chickens tested positive for the virus.
"Human cases are rare, but human cases are so bad. It’s useful to be alert to what could change," said Sadie Ryan, professor at the Emerging Pathogens Institute at the University of Florida.
Due to the climate, Florida is the only state where EEEV-carrying mosquitoes are present year-round, but scientists are warning it could have a bigger impact in years to come due to climate change.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Walt Leger on New Orleans’ Resilience and Major Events Ahead
Cindy Mackin Shares Estes Park’s Winter Thrills
Mark Jaronski of Explore Georgia on FIFA World Cup 2026
Connecting Small Businesses to Global Tourism Markets: Nate Huff of Tourism Exchange
North Carolina’s Resilience: Wit Tuttell on Recovery and Tourism
Kittipong Prapattong’s Plan for Thailand’s Tourism Growth: Taxes, Visas, and Campaigns
James Jin: Didatravel’s Journey from China to Global Reach and the Impact of AI on Travel
Darien Schaefer on Pensacola’s Evolution: From Small Town to Global Destination
Florida Tourism’s Next Frontier: Dana Young on Expanding Beyond the Classics
Patrick Harrison on Tampa Bay Tourism’s Resilience and Marketing Strategy
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
BA suspending all Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flights
Unexpected wave rocks cruise ship
Report: Cruise guest died after ship lashed in heavy storm
British teen in serious condition after paraglider collision
JetBlue scraps London Gatwick flights