PRESS RELEASE ISSED BY ESCAMBIA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT. FOR INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE ESCAMBIA COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT'S WEBSITE.
The Escambia County Health Department continues its mosquito-borne illness alert for Escambia County, Florida. One additional human case of West Nile virus (WNV) has been confirmed in Escambia County, Florida. The identification of this new case brings the total number of diagnosed WNV cases to thirteen for 2012. There is still some risk that additional persons could become infected with WNV from mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes infected with WNV can bite and infect humans. About one in 150 people infected with WNV will develop serious illness. Symptoms of infection can range from mild to severe including development of diseases such as meningitis or encephalitis. People with weakened immune systems and individuals over 50 may be at higher risk of the most severe form of the infection.
The abnormally high number of confirmed cases reaffirms the increased risk of contracting WNV for everyone in Escambia County, Florida. Since most people who contract the disease have mild or no symptoms, there are most likely numerous undiagnosed cases throughout the area. All Escambia County, Florida residents and visitors should take precautions to limit their exposure to mosquitoes.
Dr. John Lanza, Escambia County Health Department Director remarks: “With the continuation of the recent cooler fall weather, we expect less mosquito activity in our area and anticipate diagnosing fewer new cases of West Nile Virus in Escambia County, Florida. However, residents should continue to take precautions against mosquito bites until the alert is lifted for the County.”
The Escambia County Health Department, in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health, will continue to perform surveillance for mosquito-borne infections. The Florida Department of Health continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and dengue.
More Information on West Nile virus from the Centers for Disease Control.
More Information on the Florida Department of Health’s Mosquito Surveillance Information.
