MARION COUNTY, Fla. -- The Florida Department of Health is warning Marion County residents that an unvaccinated emu has tested positive for eastern equine encephalitis.
- Emu in Marion Co. tests positive for EEE
- Officials: 3rd case in 2018 of EEE in Marion
According to Department of Health officials, this is the third case of EEE in the county so far in 2018 -- the first two cases involved horses.
The department says EEE is 80 to 90 percent fatal in emus and horses, while there’s a 30 to 45 percent fatality rate among people.
The virus is mosquito-borne and cycle between mosquitos and birds in swampy, freshwater areas, says officials. It can infect mammals, reptiles, birds and amphibians.
Health officials in a press release are urging residents to drain standing water, cover skin with repellant and clothing, and to cover doors and windows with screens.