Escambia Human West Nile Cases Now Up To Five

September 5, 2012

A total of five cases of the West Nile virus have been confirmed as of Tuesday in Escambia County,  a “Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory” continues for the entire county.

The risk of additional persons becoming infected with West Nile Virus from mosquito bites remains very high, according to the Escambia County Health Department. The health department has not said where in the county the infected person reside.

“The abnormally high number of confirmed cases reaffirms the increased risk of contracting West Nile Virus for everyone in Escambia County,” said Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County Health Department. Since most people who contract the disease have mild or no symptoms, there are most likely numerous undiagnosed cases throughout the area. All Escambia County, Florida residents and visitors should take precautions to limit their exposure to mosquitoes.”

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

2 Responses to “Escambia Human West Nile Cases Now Up To Five”

  1. Molino Mom on September 5th, 2012 11:49 pm

    I find this ridiculous that we are not made aware of what area this is occurring in.
    I mean, come on-if people are being infected in the Pensacola area, we can pretty much figure out that mosquito’s can fly from one area to another (Cantonment, Molino, Century, etc). So, why all the secrecy? Whats the problem? Is the govt worried that we will board ourselves up in our houses and never come out again?
    Or are they afraid that we won’t go out after dark and spend our money in their stores? You’d think this was some “top secret” information.
    We have a right to know.
    Welcome to America ….where you only find out what/when the government says you can.
    Where are those mosquito trucks spraying these days? It sure ain’t around my neighborhood.
    There you go-we’ll pool our money together, hire us a private investigator to scope out the different counties and find where they are spraying…AND THATS HOW WE’LL FIGURE OUT WHAT COUNTY THE MOSQUITO’S ARE IN !

    Europe is looking better and better everyday!

  2. Amalya on September 5th, 2012 4:51 pm

    Oh goodness. This is just what we need. Thanks for keeping us updated, William. I really appreciate it. I’ll definitely watch how long my siblings and myself stay outside in the evenings and mornings, and make sure we have some bug spray with us.