Signs of West Nile Virus in Pinellas

Pinellas County health officials are concerned that a mosquito-borne strain of West Nile virus may be spreading in Pinellas County. They  are urging residents to take precautions.

At a press conference Tuesday, county health officials told reporters that there is preliminary evidence suggesting that the West Nile virus may be present in Pinellas County.

The announcement came after one chicken in a flock the county maintains as any early warning system tested positive for the mosquito-spread virus.

West Nile Virus is potentially serious. Roughly 20 percent of those with West Nile Virus suffer from fever, headaches, body aches, flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomitting or a skin rash on the upper body that could last for weeks.

About 1 in 150 people infected with West Nile virus suffer far worse symptoms, including dizziness, and should seek immediate medical attention.

Those afflicted with West Nile virus have symptoms from three to 14 days after being bitten by a disease-carrying mosquito.

Across Florida, 21 cases of mosquito-borne illnesses were reported by health officials.

Some of the diseases were West Nile virus and Dengue fever. One of the Dengue fever cases was reported from Pinellas County.

The local Dengue fever case appears to originate from outside the state.

But county officials are being proactive in response to the spread of mosquito-borne diseases.

They began fogging to kill adult mosquitos at Sawgrass Lake Park, said Nancy Iannotti, the district operations manager at Pinellas County Mosquito Control.

Iannotti noted this is the worst time of the year for mosquitos.

"The height of mosquitos each year is when the water tables are at their highest," Iannotti said. "That would be between August and October."

Iannotti noted there are 37 different species of mosquitoes known in Pinellas County; most are native to the state but include at least one species native to the Bahamas. All are considered potential disease carriers.

Iannotti also stated there is no safe place on the Pinellas peninsula from mosquitoes.

"We are surrounded by water," Iannotti said.

Mosquitoes lay their larvae in standing water. So health officials strongly encourage residents to monitor any standing water near their residence and to dispose of or drain it.

Fogging helps kill adult mosquitoes, Iannotti said, but that's not the best solution to battle the irritating insect.

"Fogging for the mosquitoes only kills the adult," Iannotti said. "Adult mosquitoes could have already" laid larvae.

The worst time to be outside is at dawn or dusk, Iannotti said. If residents need to be outside, Iannotti advises using mosquito repellant.

She strongly advises people to wear long sleeves and long pants if they will be outside when a lot of mosquitoes are present.