JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Two more cases of West Nile Virus
(WNV) have been confirmed in Duval County, bringing the county's total
for this year to 25, according to a release from the Duval County Health
Department (DCHD).
This continues the mosquito-borne illness alert for the county. The two most recent cases of WNV have been found in two males ages 19 and 46.
The first case of the year was confirmed in July.
Symptoms of West Nile virus include confusion, fever, headache,
dizziness, weakness and fatigue. If you suspect you have symptoms,
contact your county's health department.
RELATED: Concern over city swimming pool's condition in light of West Nile outbreak
According to Charles Griggs of the DCHD, there have been no deaths in 2012 related to WNV. At this time last year, Duval had 18 cases with two reported deaths associated with a confirmed case of WNV. Duval ended 2011 with a total of 21 confirmed cases, Griggs said.
The DCHD uses the "Drain and Cover" method to help remind people how to protect themselves from mosquitoes.
Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying:
- 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, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' 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 with clothing or repellent:
Clothing: Wear shoes, socks and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
Repellent: Apply
mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents
according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon
eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect
children younger than 2 months old.
Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house:
Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.
Tips on Repellent Use
- Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
- Productions with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are
generally recommended. Other EPA-approved repellents contain Picaridin,
oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally
available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed
on the product label.
- Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
- In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the
repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents
containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under
the age of 3 years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2
months old.
- Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults
should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to
the child's skin and clothing.
- If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin
repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the
manufacturer's instructions.
First Coast News