Mosquito awareness after the storms

Posted on September 6, 2012 By Editor Neighborhood News

The Duval County Health Department (DCHD) has issued a mosquito-borne illness alert for Duval County. Human cases of West Nile Virus (WNV) have been confirmed and there is a heightened concern that additional residents will become ill. Duval County has five confirmed cases of WNV in 2012. The most recent cases involve 35 and 52 year-old males and 41 and 54 year-old females.
Symptoms of the virus may include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. Physicians should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may meet the case definition for a mosquito-borne illness.
DCHD continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts. The department recommends using repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR353 to protect against mosquitoes. Residents should also be aware of standing water and drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, toys, pool covers, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater has collected.
For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit DOH’s Environmental Public Health website at www.doh.state.fl.us/ or call your DCHD at (904) 253-1850.