May 22, 2013
A Panama City baby is listed as the state's second case of Eastern equine encephalitis this year.
Seven-month-old Jonathan Burton is being treated at Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola. Eastern equine encephalitis is a cousin to West Nile Virus.
Doctors say the little boy will live to talk about his experience, but will have to undergo therapy to restore muscle use on the right side of his body. Burton's family also must keep a close watch on his speech development, which is just beginning.
In the meantime, health officials say "the stage it set" for more cases of the virus this year. State health officials have warned the virus is reaching epidemic proportions in horses around the state, so folks should cover up against mosquitoes.
