2 Horses Test Positive For Equine Encephalitis In Polk County

POLK COUNTY, FL — The Florida Department of Health in Polk County has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory after two horses tested positive for the Eastern equine encephalitis virus infection.

The health department said a positive test in horses is an indication of an increased risk of transmission to humans.

Polk County Mosquito Control and the DOH-Polk are monitoring various sites around the county for the presence of infected mosquitoes. Additionally, Polk County Mosquito Control will implement its mosquito prevention program, which includes spraying from the ground and from air on an as-needed basis.

The health department recommends that residents take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by implementing prevention strategies, including eliminating standing water on their properties and using the right repellant.

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