Sarasota County Health Officials Recommend Continued Caution to Prevent Mosquito Borne Disease
The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County (DOH-Sarasota) today (11/16/22) reminds residents of continued mosquito-borne disease activity in Sarasota County. While cooler weather has reduced the number of mosquitos in our environment, we continue to be under a mosquito borne disease advisory.
DOH Sarasota recently identified a human case of West Nile virus in Sarasota County. The case reported initial onset of symptoms in late September and was recently confirmed to be West Nile Virus.
Most people do not develop any symptoms, but one in five people can experience headache, body ache, joint pain, diarrhea or rash. Severe illness can occur in people of any age, however people over 60 years of age are at greater risk. Symptoms of severe illness include high fever, neck stiffness, tremors, muscle weakness and vision loss.
While the peak period of transmission in Florida is July through September, mosquito-borne diseases can be transmitted throughout the fall. West Nile virus is transmitted to wild birds by Culex mosquitoes. Occasionally, an infected mosquito will bite a human or animal (particularly horses) and cause disease. Culex mosquitoes are known to bite from dusk to dawn.
Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services and DOH- Sarasota continue surveillance and prevention efforts. Residents and visitors should avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking basic precautions to help to limit exposure, including:
· Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
· Cover skin with clothing or insect repellent (preferably with DEET).
· Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis, St. Louis Encephalitis, Malaria and Dengue.
For more information on mosquito-borne illnesses, visit the Florida Department of Health online or call the Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County, (941) 861-2900.
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About the Florida Department of Health:
The Department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov
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