United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
Florida health officials warn of deadly mosquito-borne virus
Public health officials in Florida are warning that signs of a rare brain-infecting virus have been found in Orange County.
Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV) was found in a flock of sentinel chickens, which are used by health officials to track the spread of infectious diseases.
They are warning that if the disease has spread to birds, human infections could follow.
EEEV is a particularly rare infection – it tends to spread in remote, swampy areas far from human civilization – but when it does strike, it can be fatal, although deaths are rare.
However, a bite from an infected mosquito can cause severe, fatal brain swelling in a matter of days.
"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.
Anna Marie Presutti on San Francisco’s Tourism Revival and Global Outlook
Exploring Brooklands Museum with Alex Patterson
Global Tourism Challenges and Upcoming Events: A Conversation with Don Welsh
Peebles Barbeque: A Legacy of Flavor and Tradition
Exploring Bok Tower Gardens with Erica Smith
Rue’s Living Water Boat Cruises: Exploring Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes
Durango and Silverton Railroad: A Timeless Journey Through History and Scenic Beauty
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
CLIA expands trade support with expedition event
Qatar Airways adding Manchester flights
Jet2 unveils Samos as new Greek destination for summer 2026
EU entry-exit system delayed again
ATC strike in Greece could disrupt flights this week