Contact:
Kerry Waldron, Administrator

Kerry.Waldron@flhealth.gov

386-294-1321 

Lafayette, Fla.—The Florida Department of Health in Lafayette County (DOH-Lafayette) is informing residents that Eastern equine encephalitis virus was detected in a group of sick emus.  As there is a risk of transmission to humans, continued awareness and preventative measures are important.

DOH-Lafayette reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions.

The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.

For more information, visit the Department’s website or contact your county health department.

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About the Florida Department of Health

The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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