Human case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Hillsborough County, health officials say

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County (DOH-Hillsborough) said Tuesday morning that a human case of West Nile Virus is confirmed in the county.

According to a press release, health officials are concerned other people living in the county could become ill.

DOH-Hillsborough and the county's mosquito control are continuing surveillance and prevention efforts.

Residents and visitors are advised by health officials to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and take basic precautions to help limit exposure.

The department says to 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, flowerpots or any other containers where sprinkler or rainwater 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, 2-undecanone andIR3535 are effective
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than two 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% 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, 2-undecanone or IR3535
      • 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 or 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

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