JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Three new cases of West Nile virus bring the total throughout Duval County to five in 2011.
According to the Duval County Health Department, the three new cases are in a 61-year-old male, a 64-year-old female and a 49-year-old female.
The health department wants everyone to take steps to stop the illness from spreading further, notably by the "Drain and Cover" method.
DRAIN standing water
- Drain water from garbage cans, 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
- Clothing: Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves
- Repellent: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing, in accordance with the product's label.
- Use mosquito netting for small children.
COVER doors and windows
- Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios
Symptoms of West Nile include headache, fever, dizziness, weakness and confusion.
First Coast News