Human case of West Nile virus confirmed in Hillsborough County, health officials say



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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla .– The Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) Florida Department of Health said Tuesday morning that a human case of West Nile virus was confirmed in the county.

Health officials fear other people living in the county may become ill, according to a press release.

DOH-Hillsborough and County Mosquito Control are continuing their surveillance and prevention efforts.

Residents and visitors are advised by health officials to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

The department says to remember to “drain and cover”.

  • DRAIN standing water to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying
    • Drain water from garbage cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other container where a sprinkler or rainwater has collected
    • Throw away old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that are not in use
    • Empty and clean the animal’s birdbaths and water bowls at least once or twice a week
    • Protect boats and vehicles from the rain with tarpaulins that do not collect water
    • Maintain swimming pools in good condition and suitably chlorinated
    • Empty plastic pools when not in use
  • Cover the skin with clothing or a repellant.
    • Clothing – Wear shoes, socks, long pants and long sleeves
      • This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are found.
    • Repulsive
      • Apply mosquito repellent to skin and naked clothing
      • Always use repellents according to the label
      • Repellents with DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are effective
    • Use a mosquito net to protect children under two months of age
    • COVER doors and windows with screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home
    • Repair broken screens on windows, doors, porches and patios
  • Tips for using repellents
    • Always carefully read the label directions for approved use before applying a repellant. Some repellents are not suitable for children
    • Products containing up to 30% DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended
      • Other repellents approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency contain picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone, or IR3535.
        • These products are usually available at local pharmacies. Look for the active ingredients to be listed on the product label
    • Apply insect repellant to exposed skin or clothing, but not under clothing
    • To protect children, read the label directions to make sure the repellant is suitable for their age.
      • According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil or para-menthane-diol should not be used in children under the age of three.
      • DEET is not recommended for children under two months of age
    • Avoid applying repellents to children’s hands. Adults should first apply the repellant to their own hands, then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.

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