Human Case Of West Nile Virus Confirmed In Sarasota County: Officials

SARASOTA COUNTY, FL — A human case of West Nile Virus was confirmed in Sarasota County, officials said.

The case was reported in September and that person has already been treated, Sarasota County wrote in a Facebook post.

The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County is issuing a mosquito-borne illness advisory for the area, the county said.

Earlier this year, a number of malaria cases caused by mosquito bites were reported in the county.

West Nile Virus causes mild to severe illness. About 80 percent of infections are asymptomatic.

Most of those who do experience symptoms develop a mild illness called West Nile Fever with a headache, fever, pain and fatigue, according to the health department website.

Less than 1 percent of those infected develop a more severe form of the disease, neuroinvasive West Nile Virus. This may involve meningitis and encephalitis and can cause irreversible neurological damage, paralysis, coma or death.

Symptoms typically appear between two and 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

People over the age of 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk for severe disease.

There is no specific treatment for the virus and most mild infections are typically overcome with little or no medical intervention within a matter of weeks.

• Drain and cover areas around their home where water might accumulate.
• Drain pools of freshwater around the home and yard.
• Empty pet bowls, garbage cans, garbage can lids, bottles, tires and anything where freshwater has accumulated.

• Use mosquito repellent that contains DEET (10 to 30 percent), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone or IR3535 on bare skin and clothing.
• Wear shoes, socks, and long sleeves and pants.Use mosquito netting to protect children less than 2 months old.
• Check and repair screens on doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.