Health department confirms West Nile virus case in Lee County

The Florida Department of Health in Lee County confirmed Monday there is one a probable case of West Nile virus in Lee County.

In an email to WINK News, DOH-Lee wanted to remind community members and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to “drain and cover.”

DRAIN standing 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

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 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, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old

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 (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are generally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved repellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, IR3535, or 2-undecanone. 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol 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

COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house

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

For more information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the Environmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied repellent products.

According to DOH-Lee, it continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue.

Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health website, or contact your county health department.

MORE:

• EPA – Find the repellant that is right for you 
• CDC – West Nile virus