Pasco County Confirms West Nile Virus Case

Two cases of West Nile Virus were confirmed in the Tampa Bay area Tuesday. One of those cases originated in Pasco County.

“We just want people to be aware that it is out there,” said Florida Department of Health – Pasco spokeswoman Deanna Krautner in reference to a countywide advisory that has gone up.

Pasco officials are not releasing details of the case, nor will they say what community the victim lives in.

“The advisory is for the whole county,” Krautner said.

Pasco’s case was the sixth human infection reported in Florida this year. A Polk County case, also announced Tuesday, marked seven.

West Nile Virus is generally transmitted to humans by infected mosquitos. About 70 to 80 percent of people who are exposed do not develop symptoms, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Those that are symptomatic, however, may suffer from headaches, body aches, joint pain and other ailments that can last for months. In about 1 percent of cases, people develop serious illnesses, such as encephalitis, that can lead to death.

There is no specific treatment for West Nile Virus, but those serious about preventing mosquito bites are asked to remove standing water from around their homes, cover their skin with clothing and repellent when outdoors, and cover their doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitos out.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health online.