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By: The opinion Posted Aug 22, 2023, 22:20 pm EDT
The Alabama city was surprised by recent cases of mosquito bites that carry the virus. eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEE) and that left two people affected, one of whom has already lost his life.
According to the first reports, the events occurred in Spanish Fort, Alabama, in Baldwin Countythese cases are added to the eight reported in the city since 2003 when the first records were known.
Wes Stubblefield, a doctor with the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) told local media that this It is a rare disease, for which there is no vaccine or specific treatment so far.; “In general, it’s just bad luck and that’s why we want to focus on prevention,” he says.
Most infected people show mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. However, severe cases often begin with fever, headache, chills, and vomiting before progressing to encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, or meningitis, which is inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Seeking to strengthen prevention measures, the Department of Health issued a series of warnings and preventions through a statement that They will help the population to be more protected against mosquitoes.
The measures include the use of insect repellent, wear long loose-fitting shirts and pants, use air conditioning, and maintain screens on windows and doorss.
Stubblefield sentenced; “We want people to protect themselves to the best of their ability, we want our suppliers to know that this is a possibility, especially in the south, in the Gulf region, and how dangerous this virus can be and hopefully we can prevent more. cases”.
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