Human West Nile Case Confirmed In Santa Rosa County

September 12, 2012

The first human case of the West Nile Virus has been confirmed in Santa Rosa County.

The Santa Rosa County Health Department has not released where in the county the infected person resided.

“As our neighboring counties began to see confirmed cases, we fully expected that we would begin to see them as well,” said Sandra Park-O’Hara, administrator for the Health Department. “People need to be aware that the virus is present in our area and continue to take precautions.”

in Escambia County, seven cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed, while one person has died from the virus in Okaloosa County.

The Escambia County Health Department recommends these precautions:

  • Remove standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying
  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren’t being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
  • Cover skin with clothing or repellent—
  • Stay indoors when mosquitoes are active
  • Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET(N,N-diethyl-mtoluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
  • Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house
  • Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
  • Keep doors and windows closed if screens are not present.
  • Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
  • Some repellents are not suitable for children.
  • Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended.
  • Other US Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
  • 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.
  • If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing.

Comments

One Response to “Human West Nile Case Confirmed In Santa Rosa County”

  1. AL on September 12th, 2012 7:45 pm

    There has officially been 3 positive cases of West Nile in horses in the Milton area, around the American Farms area, and the Florida/Alabama border towards Molino. – Northwest Florida Animal Clinic

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News