Two More Human West Nile Cases Confirmed In Escambia County

October 2, 2012

Two more human cases of the West Nile virus have been confirmed in Escambia County, bringing the total number this year to 12 and one death. The Escambia County Health Department said the risk remains high for additional human infections from mosquito bites.

A mosquito-borne illness alert continues in effect for Escambia County.

“Nationally, the number of new West Nile virus diagnoses is decreasing. With the approach of cooler fall weather, we expect less mosquito activity in our area and anticipate diagnosing fewer new cases of West Nile Virus in Escambia County, ” said Dr. John Lanza, director of the Escambia County Health Department. “However, residents should continue to take precautions against mosquito bites until the alert is lifted for the county.”

Mosquitoes infected with WNV can bite and infect humans; about one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop serious illness. Symptoms of infection can range from mild to severe including development of diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis. People with weakened immune systems and individuals over 50 may be at higher risk of the most severe form of the infection.

Three human cases have now been reported in Santa Rosa, and one person has died from the virus in Okaloosa County.

Comments

4 Responses to “Two More Human West Nile Cases Confirmed In Escambia County”

  1. Stabler1 on October 3rd, 2012 1:52 am

    doesnt the health depts still give out the tablets to kill the mosquitos and (or) their larvae… if they do i would advise everyone to get as many as you can and place them in the stagnent waters around your home…thats what i did but little does it help if everyone doesnt do it !!!

  2. Just Me on October 2nd, 2012 1:22 pm

    The Canoe area of Al. is horrible. Those skeeters are hugh and everywhere! Please spray out here…..

  3. cottage hill resident on October 2nd, 2012 8:33 am

    I sure wish they would spray cottage hill/and molino 95A area

  4. Jane on October 2nd, 2012 5:46 am

    Keep spraying for mosquitos…there has been rain and more will hatch!