Escambia County Remains On High Alert Due To West Nile Threat

September 9, 2012

Escambia County residents should remain alert and take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites — that’s the word from the Escambia County Health Department after at least five people in the county have confirmed cases of the West Nile Virus and a “Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory” remains in effect.

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 persons reside, but the exact location of those infected by West Nile is not important when the disease is spread by birds that can travel several miles and then by mosquitoes to humans.

“There is no place in Escambia County that would be better or worse than any other place,” said Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County Health Department. “The abnormally high number of confirmed cases reaffirms the increased risk of contracting West Nile Virus for everyone in Escambia County.”

“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,” Lanza said.

Okaloosa County officials confirmed Friday that one person in that county has died as a result of the West Nile virus.

There are been 19 total cases of West Nile reported this year in Florida.

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.

The Escambia County Health Department recommends that residents follow the Five D’s of mosquito control:

  1. Dusk – avoid when mosquitoes are most active.
  2. Dawn – avoid the next most active period.
  3. DEET – use personal chemical protection to ward off mosquitoes.
  4. Dress – cover exposed skin to block mosquito access.
  5. Drain – remove standing water in pots, pet dishes, gutters and other retainers.

The health department also recommends these precautions:

  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
  • In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.
  • According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
  • Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.

Comments

10 Responses to “Escambia County Remains On High Alert Due To West Nile Threat”

  1. Matt on September 10th, 2012 6:40 am

    WWJ –

    or… just a thought… you could go dump the water out of the pot in your yard :)

  2. AL on September 9th, 2012 5:40 pm

    Watch for the mosquito trucks…. they are so rare they are easy to stand out, I wager that is where cases are reported. :)
    They hit several neighborhoods around Chemstrand, 10 mile and East….

  3. Larry Wayne on September 9th, 2012 4:21 pm

    I for one want to know where the cases are. Its the public’s right to know and we should not have to file freedom of information to find out.

    Do you think the county really knows whats best for us or should they just tell us the truth and let us decide?

  4. WWJ on September 9th, 2012 1:12 pm

    Well I guess the County and Mosquito control is just going to set on their back sides of do nothing and just DO NOTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is their usual course of action. RIGHT!

  5. Slobby Neighbors on September 9th, 2012 10:34 am

    @FYI thanks! Your information will be very helpful! :)

  6. fyi on September 9th, 2012 10:04 am

    Mosquitoes stay within 300 feet or so of their stagnant water (larvae need water to hatch) source. Check around your property for standing water. It could be even a hollow in a tree holding water. If it’s not you, get your neighbors to check their property. The county will come spray if you call their mosquito control number and tell them of your problem. As far as junky neighbors, or neighbors with overgrown yards, you have to call code enforcement or your county county commissioner’s office and make a complaint. You HAVE TO CALL to make these things happen.

  7. Kay on September 9th, 2012 9:05 am

    The county needs to be spraying in cottage hill cantonment and molino areas ! Maybe everyone should call and request it . maybe then they will do it

  8. Slobby Neighbors on September 9th, 2012 8:36 am

    People also need to cut their grass! Mosquitos love tall grass. My neighbor behind me never cuts his yard. The grass is up to my waist! He also has a lot of junk in his yard that holds stagnant water. The county needs to come around and start citing people who are practically endangering others with their laziness.

  9. someguy on September 9th, 2012 8:34 am

    “even with long sleeves, long pants and DEET on me I still get bitten”

    I swear I saw one with prison tattoos and a shank in Walnut Hill…

  10. Jane on September 9th, 2012 6:43 am

    They need to start spraying for mosquitos. They are so bad out here in Molino that even with long sleeves, long pants and DEET on me I still get bitten. They bite through clothes and bite in your hair! I can’t stay inside ALL the time!

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News