DCHD MOSQUITO-BORNE ILLNESS ALERT

Updated: October 31, 2011

The Duval County Health Department (DCHD) continues its mosquito-borne illness alert for Duval County. No additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) have been confirmed during the current reporting period. Duval County has 19 confirmed cases of WNV in 2011. There have been two reported deaths associated with a confirmed case of WNV.

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Grand Rounds Presentation

About 1 in 150 people infected with WNV will develop severe illness. Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks and neurological effects may be permanent. The state monitors animals as sentinels for WNV, to determine if any viruses are present in the community.

Dengue viruses do not have animal hosts but spread between humans and mosquitoes. Common symptoms of disease include headache, fever, muscle and joint pains, nausea and vomiting, and rash.

There is no vaccine for preventing West Nile virus or Dengue Fever. The best defense against mosquito-borne illness is prevention. The most effective measure for residents is to avoid mosquito bites by using repellents or staying behind screened windows and doors when mosquitoes are active.

DCHD continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts. These should include remembering “Drain and Cover”.

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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, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

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

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

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 are generally recommended.  Other EPA-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535.  These products are generally available at local pharmacies.  Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
• In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate.  According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 years.  DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 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.

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

Duval County Health Department
900 University Blvd. N.
Jacksonville, FL 32211
253-1000

Copyright ©  2003 Duval County Health Department. All rights reserved.