A mosquito-borne illness advisory was issued in Hillsborough County on Thursday after a man contracted the West Nile virus. The case was confirmed on Wednesday and the man is recovering, health officials said..
It is the first case of the virus in Hillsborough County and the eighth human case in Florida in 2015.
"Residents and visitors should take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to limit exposure to mosquito-borne illnesses," said Dr. Douglas Holt, MD, Director Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.
Health officials are advising residents 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, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not
being used.
* Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least 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 and cover doors and windows.
* Wear comfortable shoes, socks, and long pants and long sleeves when
mosquitoes are
most prevalent.
* Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
* Always use repellents according to the label. Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) registered repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-mentane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.
* Use mosquito netting to protect 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.
* Place screens on windows, doors, porches and patios. Always repair broken
screens.
