West Nile case found in Escambia County


  • August 19, 2014
  • /   Shannon Nickinson
  • /   government

The Escambia County Health Department has confirmed on Aug. 19 a case of West Nile virusinfection in an Escambia resident.

Another case remains classified as a probable West Nile infection.

County and public health officials are continuing surveillance and prevention efforts, they also remind folks to take the following precautions to limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses.

DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

·         Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.

·         Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.

·         Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.

·         Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.

·         Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

COVER skin with clothing or repellent.

·         Clothing - Wear shoes, socks and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.

·         Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.

·         Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET(N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.

·         Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

Tips on Repellent Use

·         Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.

·         Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended.  Other US Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.  These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.

·         Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.

·         Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches and patios.

The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, Malaria, Chikungunya, and Dengue.

Please report dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website at http://www.myfwc.com/bird/.  

For more information, visit the Department’s website at http://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or call your local county health department.

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