Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) has taken the lives of four Floridians so far this year, health officials reported Tuesday as the state enters the peak season for mosquito-borne illnesses in the water logged state.
West Nile Virus and EEE have been detected in 43 counties as of Aug. 14, according to statistics compiled by the Florida Department of Health, which tracks the diseases.
EEE was responsible for two deaths in Hillsborough County and one death each in Leon and Wakulla County in north Florida.
Wade Griffin, an otherwise healthy 50 year old commercial painter, died July 16 after falling ill a week earlier. Griffin was the second north Florida resident to die from the disease.
On July 10, James Burge, a 56-year-old retired postal worker from Sopchoppy in Wakulla County, succumbed to the virus.
In addition, health officials are warning of a re-emergence of the dengue virus, a typically nonfatal disease which began showing up in 2009 after being silent in the state since its last major outbreak in 1934. Health officials urge residents to stay indoors at night or wear protective clothing. Standing water should also be drained.
News Service of Florida
