West Nile virus confirmed in Lee County
The Lee County Health Department reports that a Lee County man has been diagnosed with West Nile Virus.
The man, said to be “middle-aged,” works outdoors and went on three recent hunting trips outside of Lee County, officials said, adding it is not possible to determine if he was infected in Lee County or elsewhere in southwest Florida.
This is the first human case of WNV in Lee County this year.
Lee County Mosquito Control District is actively monitoring and spraying area surrounding his residence. People who are concerned about excessive mosquito activity in their neighborhood should contact Lee County Mosquito Control at 694-2174.
Many people who become ill have mild symptoms including headache, fever, dizziness, and fatigue, but severe neurological symptoms are also possible. Although mosquito-borne diseases can cause serious illnesses and even death in people of any age, children and those over 50 are at greatest risk for severe disease. Symptoms typically appear between three and 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
Neighborhoods and families are preparing for Halloween celebrations this weekend. LCHD and Lee Mosquito Control urge both children and adults to take steps to prevent mosquito bites, including use of mosquito repellant, long sleeves, and trousers. Mosquitoes will be most active a dusk, just as the Halloween celebrations begin.
For more information on mosquito borne illnesses:
FDOH Web site at www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/index.html ,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov
Lee County Mosquito Control District Web site at www.lcmcd.org
Source: Lee County Health Department