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A fifth case of West Nile virus was confirmed in Jacksonville, bringing to seven the total number of human cases in northeastern Florida.
Duval County Health Authorities Alert Public about transmission saying that there is an increased risk of spreading the virus.
Nassau County has also confirmed that two people have been infected in recent weeks.
Health officials said Tuesday that the mosquito division of the city of Jacksonville had increased spraying in areas where cases had been reported.
Officials urge people to drain stagnant water and protect themselves by using protective clothing and repellents.
Health officials said people should not focus on the specific localization of cases, as mosquitoes that can spread West Nile virus can travel five miles or more and West Nile-infected birds can go more far.
DRAIN stagnant water to prevent mosquitoes from multiplying.
• Drain water from garbage cans, gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flowerpots or any other containers where rainwater or sprinklers have been collected.
• Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots, broken appliances and other items that are not used.
• Empty and clean the birdbaths and bowls of water at least once or twice a week
• Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarpaulins that do not accumulate water.
• Keep pools in good condition and properly chlorinated. Empty plastic pools when you are not using them.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent.
• Clothing – Wear shoes, socks and long pants and long sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who have to work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Repellent – Apply insect repellent to skin and naked clothing.
• Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents based on DEET, picaridine, lemon eucalyptus oil, para-menthane-diol and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito nets to protect children under 2 months of age.
Tips on using the repellent
• Always read the label instructions carefully for approved use before applying a repellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.
• Products containing up to 30% DEET (N, N-diethylmoluamide) are generally recommended. Other insect repellents approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency contain picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, paramenthan-diol or lemon oil. IR3535. These products are usually available at local pharmacies. Look for the active ingredients to inscribe on the product label.
• Apply an insect repellent to exposed skin or clothing, but not under clothing.
• In protecting children, read the instructions on the label to make sure that the repellent is suitable for age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing lemon eucalyptus oil should not be used in children under three years of age. DEET is not recommended for children under two months old.
• Avoid applying repellents on children's hands. Adults must first apply the repellent on their hands and then transfer it to the skin and clothing of the child.
• If additional protection is needed, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's instructions.
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home.
• Fix broken screens on windows, doors, porches and patios.
© 2018 Cox Media Group.
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