West Nile Virus Activity Up in Pasco County

Pasco County has officially joined several others around the Tampa Bay area in warning residents about the potential for contracting West Nile virus.

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County issued an advisory Monday after it witnessed an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity. While no human cases of West Nile have been reported in Pasco, the department of health said several of its sentinel chicken flocks have tested positive for the infection.

So far this year, Hillsborough County has confirmed one human case of West Nile virus involving a patient that did not present with symptoms. That case was reported on Oct. 1. Pinellas County has also recorded a confirmed human case of West Nile virus this year. That case was reported in late August.

West Nile virus produces no symptoms in about 70 to 80 percent of people infected, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some people, however, can develop such symptoms fever, rash, headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting and diarrhea. In less than 1 percent of those infected severe symptoms may develop. The infection may lead to encephalitis or meningitis, which is an inflammation of the brain or surrounding tissue, the CDC says. Of those who develop severe complications about 10 percent die.

Residents can do their part to control the mosquito population by eliminating ideal breeding locations from their yards. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a quarter inch of standing water, the county noted. It is asking residents to heed these precautions:

• Empty water from old tires, flower pots, garbage can lids, recycling containers, boat tarps and buckets
• Eliminate standing water near plumbing drains, air conditioner drips, septic tanks or rain gutters
• Flush birdbaths and wading pools weekly
• Flush bromeliads twice weekly or treat with a biological larvicide
• Change the water in outdoor pet dishes daily
• Keep pools adequately chlorinated
• Stock ornamental ponds with mosquito-eating gambusia fish
• Cover rain barrels with fine mesh screening
• Repair rips or tears in door and window screens

For more information about mosquitoes and avoiding exposure, visit the Florida Department of Health online.

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