Duval County now has two confirmed cases of West Nile virus in which the patients were infected locally, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) announced on Tuesday.
DOH-Duval and Jacksonville Mosquito Control are ground spraying to deal with potentially infected mosquitoes as they monitor new cases.
Many people who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick, the DOH said.
For those who do get sick, typical symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, rash, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Less common symptoms include neck stiffness, altered mental status and disorientation.
Symptoms of West Nile virus can appear anytime between 2 and 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, which is how the virus is transmitted. It is not contagious between people.
DOH-Duval reminds the community that you can help cut down on the mosquito population by draining any standing water around your home:
Drain water from garbage cans, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots, or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater 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 pets’ 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.
You can protect yourself from mosquito bites by wearing proper clothing, using mosquito repellent, covering doors and windows with screens:
Clothing – If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
Repellent – Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
Screens – 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.
Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.
For information related to mosquito control and prevention activities in Duval County, visit the city of Jacksonville’s Mosquito Control Program.
To request mosquito control to inspect or spray your property or neighborhood, contact 904-630-CITY (2489) and an operator will assist you. Requests for such services can also be made online.
For more information about mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Department’s mosquito prevention webpage or view the weekly mosquito-borne illness surveillance reports.
If you are experiencing any symptoms, please call DOH-Duval by calling 904-253-1850.
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