Alabama Mosquito Illness Claims Life of Young Girl

Latest reports on a deadly mosquito-borne illness in Alabama reveal troubling news.

The Alabama Department of Public Health warned the state of the illness--referred to as EEE-- earlier in the week.

The health department says EEE (Eastern Equine Encephalitis) can cause "severe illness and death." And there is no vaccine and no treatment.

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Previously, the health department had reported that two cases of EEE in Baldwin County resulted in one fatality.

Now, Newsweek has reported that "a 7-year-old second-grader at Spanish Fort Elementary" was the victim who fell victim to this terrible illness.

There is no update on the other case of EEE in Baldwin county, but the CDC says even those who recover can be left with "long-term physical or mental impairments," including seizures, paralysis, and personality disorders.

So what can we do?

Here's what to do to stay safe.

First keep in mind that this illness is rare. The Alabama Department of Public Health said that in their report.

They also outlined many preventative measures we can take, such as:

• Wearing long sleeves and pants
• Using bug spray
• Using air conditioning or screens on windows and doors
• Emptying outside objects that can hold standing water

By taking all these measures, we can help prevent a crisis.

Protect yourself and the young people in your life.