Human West Nile Virus Case Confirmed in Hillsborough

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has confirmed its first human case of West Nile virus in 2015.

The case, involving an adult male, is the eighth confirmed in Florida since 2015 began. With the confirmation, the health department has now issued an advisory for the entire county.

“Residents and visitors should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses,” said Dr. Douglas Holt, MD, Director Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.
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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