A potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus has been detected in Central Florida, raising concerns as residents head into the peak summer mosquito season. According to a recent report from the Florida Department of Health, sentinel chickens in Orange County tested positive last week for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, commonly known as EEE or Triple-E, a rare but potentially deadly virus spread through mosquito bites.

Prevention Measures

Health officials are urging residents to take steps to reduce mosquito populations around their homes and protect themselves from bites. Recommended prevention measures include draining standing water where mosquitoes can breed, keeping doors and windows properly screened, and mowing grass and maintaining yards regularly.

Residents can also use mosquito repellents, such as oil and peppermint oil, to protect themselves from bites. With Triple-E activity now confirmed in Central Florida, health officials stress that taking precautions is especially important during the hot, humid summer months when mosquito populations are at their highest.

Triple-E has no specific treatment, vaccine or cure for humans, making prevention the most effective defense against infection, according to Florida health officials. So far in 2026, health officials have confirmed at least nine cases of Triple-E activity across Orange, Volusia and Brevard counties.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.