Hillsborough Issues West Nile Virus Alert

While the latest confirmed of West Nile virus in Hillsborough County involves a patient who hasn’t presented with any symptoms, health department officials say the finding is enough for them to elevate a previously issued advisory to an all-out alert.

There has been one confirmed human case of West Nile Virus in Hillsborough in 2015 with the patient presenting with symptoms, the Hillsborough County Health Department reported. A total of eight cases, including the Hillsborough one, have been reported across the state since the year began.

“The addition of an asymptomatic case being discovered in the community is an indication that we could potentially see more human cases in the future,” said Dr. Douglas Holt, MD, director of the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County. “Residents and visitors should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.”

Hillsborough’s symptomatic case was confirmed Oct. 1. The case involved an adult male.

While the county is continuing efforts to spray for mosquitoes, people can help make themselves less attractive targets. They can also take steps to reduce mosquitoes around their homes.

“There is heightened concern that other Hillsborough County residents and visitors may become ill from being bitten by an infected mosquito,” an email from the health department to media stated.

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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