For immediate release: Monday, September 15, 2014

Contact: Stefany Strong, Public Information Officer, 386-274-0838

HUMAN WEST NILE VIRUS CASE NOW CONFIRMED IN VOLUSIA COUNTY

 DAYTONA BEACH—The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County is advising residents to take precautions due to increased mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Volusia County.

A suspect human case of West Nile illness has been confirmed by the state laboratory and there is a heightened concern that additional residents may become ill. The case involves a 34 year old female.

West Nile virus (WNV) is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. There are no medications to treat or vaccines to prevent WNV infection. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. About one in five people who are infected will develop a fever with other symptoms. Less than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, neurologic illness.

The county is already under a mosquito-borne illness advisory since June of this year after Eastern equine encephalitis was confirmed in three horses and several sentinel chickens. The advisory has been extended.

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.  Volusia County Mosquito Control and the health department continue surveillance and prevention efforts and encourage everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure by following the Department of Health recommendations.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember “Drain and Cover”:

DRAINstanding 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.

COVERskin 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.

COVERdoors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house

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

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. 
• In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.  According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of three years.  DEET is not recommended on children younger than two months old.
• Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children.  Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.  
• If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing.  Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.

For more information on what repellent is right for you consider using the EPA search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products:

http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/#searchform

DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the web site for Surveillance of Wild-bird Die-offs located at http://www.myfwc.com/bird/.  For more information, visit DOH’s web site at https://www.floridahealth.gov/diseases-and-conditions/mosquito-borne-diseases/index.html or call your local county health department.

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