Third Human West Nile Case Confirmed In Escambia County

August 29, 2012

The third human case of the West Nile virus was confirmed Tuesday in Escambia County, days after health officials issued a “Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory” for the entire county.

The reported cases mean “there is an imminent risk of additional persons becoming infected,” according to the Escambia County Health Department. The health department has not said where in the county the infected person reside.

“The increase in the number of confirmed cases reaffirms the increased risk of contracting the disease for everyone in our county.  Since most people who contract WNV have mild or no symptoms, it is likely that there are numerous unreported cases throughout the area.  As we deal with the potential for very wet weather, it is especially important that all residents take precautions to limit their exposure to mosquitoes,” said Dr. Susan Turner, associate director for the Escambia County Health Department.

Mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus can bite and infect humans. Symptoms of infection can range from mild to severe, including development of diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis. Being outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, further increases the risk of infection. People with weakened immune systems and individuals over 50 may be at higher risk of the most severe form of the infection.

Comments

10 Responses to “Third Human West Nile Case Confirmed In Escambia County”

  1. Jeanne on September 1st, 2012 10:50 am

    Doesn’t the county Health Dept. run on taxpayer dollars? Don’t we have the right to the information in accordance with the Florida Freedom of Information Act?

  2. concerned in Jay on August 29th, 2012 7:56 pm

    I would truely love to know the area’s identified areas with the West Nile Virus infections.

  3. Thinker on August 29th, 2012 12:06 pm

    Just as with insecticide labels, nobody wants to talk about the dangers of spraying to beneficial insects and wildlife in general, including bees which pollinate so many of our fruits and vegetables, or how long the spray will persist in the environment or how specific it is to mosquitoes. A few reported cases is NOT in my opinion reason to spend thousands on spraying. They say the spray is safe, but they also said that about DDT and it was a major factor in later cases of breast cancer. Let’s have some comprehensive information reported. The cure may be worse than the disease.

  4. Lady on August 29th, 2012 11:01 am

    Like always, the North end of the County gets short changed except for HIGH TAXES. They don’t forget that. We have no luck in getting someone elected from our neck of the world because the district reaches all the way across Nine-Mile Road.
    That’s why people move across state line to Alabama where taxes on their property, insurance, etc. is a lot cheaper even though they have a State tax. It is still cheaper.

  5. privacy on August 29th, 2012 8:38 am

    It affects some ones privacy…besides what does it matter a mosquito can fly and they do move between areas during their life cycle… Not to mention larva can be moved through all sorts of means…. Like trash pick up… Staying where these people live isn’t going to keep you safer from it….

  6. mary on August 29th, 2012 7:57 am

    I called mosquito control last week & was told they would be spraying in Molino/ Barrineau Park THIS week..Now the storm is gone are they still going to be out here? I have 35 acres of woods around my house which includes swamp land. YES the public should be told what area BUT..GEZZ @leaast SPRAY!

  7. chickenleg on August 29th, 2012 7:49 am

    Yeah, why all the secrecy? Doesn’t make any sense to me. I’m proud to say my neighborhood gets the mosquito spray truck every single day! But I live in Pace. It may help some, but my backyard is infested still.

  8. resident on August 29th, 2012 7:05 am

    I think they need to spray the whole county like they are doing in Texas. They spray with hellicopters and fog the whole area.

  9. pbare on August 29th, 2012 4:58 am

    Does anyone know if the county does mosquito spraying on request? My folks live up north and they call the mosquito abatement dept. They come out and spray the entire property for free, several times a year. I cannot go out my door without getting eatten up. I sure would like for the co. to spray my property here.

  10. 85Aggie on August 29th, 2012 2:23 am

    Am I the only one that would like to know in what area the infected people lived. Why all the secrecy? What is to be gained by not telling?