According to the Duval County Health Department, a Jacksonville woman has died after contracting the West Nile virus. The death is the second this year from the mosquito-borne illness. The Duval County now has twelve confirmed cases of West Nile this year, the latest case involving a 43-year-old man.
The West Nile virus spread to the southeast when a Florida bird tested positive for the virus last month. Birds in Bryceville, Yulee, Hilliard, Amelia Island and Callahan have tested positive for West Nile. In Other Florida counties, such as St. Johns County is warning citizens to do things to help prevent West Nile virus.
Health officials reminded the public to drain standing water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets and pool covers.
Anything that collects water should be emptied at least once or twice a week or covered, the county said.
Covering one’s skin with clothing or repellent helps prevent mosquito bites.
Mosquito repellents with DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are effective and should be applied to bare skin and clothing. Read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under age 3. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
Symptoms of mosquito-borne illnesses such as the West Nile virus, St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion.
People typically develop symptoms three to 14 days after a bite by an infected mosquito, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An Orlando injury lawyer can provide guidance if you have suffered due to an illness outbreak.