Health Alert: Second Escambia County West Nile Case Confirmed

September 28, 2016

The Florida Department of Health in Escambia County (FDOH-Escambia) has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert after this year’s second human case of West Nile virus was confirmed in an Escambia County resident.

The Escambia County Mosquito Control Division and FDOH-Escambia continue surveillance and prevention efforts. However, there is heightened concern that other Escambia County residents and visitors may become ill from being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Mosquitoes are known carriers of WNV, and other disease-causing viruses. To protect yourself from mosquitoes and the diseases that they carry, you should Drain and Cover.

Drain standing water.

·         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, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.

·         Empty and clean birdbaths and pets’ water bowls at least twice a week.

·         Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that do not accumulate water.

·         Maintain swimming pools in good condition and chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

Cover skin with clothing or repellent;

·         Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves when mosquitoes are most prevalent.

·         Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.

·         Always use repellents according to the label. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.

·         Re-apply mosquito repellent as often as needed to prevent mosquito landings and bites.

·         Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

·         Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing. Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.

Cover doors and windows.

·         Place screens on windows, doors, porches, and patios.

·         Repair broken screens.

·         Keep unscreened windows and doors closed.


Comments

2 Responses to “Health Alert: Second Escambia County West Nile Case Confirmed”

  1. Carmen on September 28th, 2016 8:13 am

    Was this case contracted by travel to another area or was it contracted locally?

  2. mary on September 28th, 2016 5:23 am

    who should I contact to have someone come spray around my house…the heavy fog kind that we use to chase when were kids…???

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News