The heat and humidity may be uncomfortable...but mosquitoes are thriving in it. 43 counties have reported cases of West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis according to the Florida Department of Health. The increased activity in Triple-E is causing concern with health officials and horse owners. So far, 77 cases of Triple-E in horses have been reported statewide, with four in Marion County. Three of them have been in August alone.
Four Floridians have died from Triple-E after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Triple-E is almost always fatal in horses, but there is a vaccination for it. There is no vaccination for people.
Health officials are encouraging people to protect themselves from mosquito bites.