Additional Human West Nile Virus Case Confirmed In Escambia County

December 4, 2012

One additional human case of the West Nile virus has been confirmed in Escambia County, and the health department is continuing a mosquito-borne illness alert

The identification of this new case brings the total number of diagnosed West Nile  cases to 13 this year.  There is still some risk that additional persons could become infected with West Nile from mosquito bites, according to the Escambia County Health Department.

Mosquitoes infected with Wwest 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.

The abnormally high number of confirmed cases reaffirms the increased risk of contracting West Nile for everyone in Escambia County, the health department said.  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 residents and visitors should take precautions to limit their exposure to mosquitoes.

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

Comments

Comments are closed.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News