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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n“Several\nsentinel chicken flocks have tested positive for West Nile virus\ninfection,” a statement released by the agency late Friday states.\n“No human cases of West Nile virus have been reported in Lee county at\nthis time, however, the risk of transmission to humans has increased. West Nile\nvirus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Lee County\nMosquito Control and DOH-Lee continue surveillance and prevention\nefforts.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most\npeople infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick. About 20 percent of\npeople who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache,\npain, and fatigue. People with mild illness typically recover within a week.\nLess than 1 percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal,\nillness. Symptoms typically appear between two and 14 days after the bite of an\ninfected mosquito. People over the age of 60 and individuals with weakened\nimmune systems are at an increased risk for severe disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
DOH-Lee\nreminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take\nbasic precautions to help limit exposure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To\nprotect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to “Drain and\nCover”:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– DRAIN\nstanding water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Drain\nwater from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys,\nflower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has\ncollected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Discard\nold tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other\nitems that aren’t being used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Empty\nand clean birdbaths and pet’s water bowls at least once or twice a week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Protect\nboats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maintain\nswimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated. Empty plastic\nswimming pools when not in use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– COVER\nskin with clothing or repellent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Clothing\n– Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection\nmay be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are\npresent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Repellent\n– Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always\nuse repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of\nlemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, and IR3535 are effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Use\nmosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– Tips\non Repellent Use<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Always\nread label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a\nrepellent. Some repellents are not suitable for children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Products\nwith concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide) are\ngenerally recommended. Other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved\nrepellents contain picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, or\nIR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for\nactive ingredients to be listed on the product label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Apply\ninsect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In\nprotecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is\nage-appropriate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention\n(CDC), mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be\nused on children under the age of 3. DEET is not recommended on children\nyounger than 2 months old.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Avoid\napplying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent\nfirst to their own hands and then transfer it to the child’s skin and clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If\nadditional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to\nyour clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
– COVER\ndoors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Repair\nbroken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For\nmore information on what repellent is right for you, consider using the\nEnvironmental Protection Agency’s search tool to help you choose skin-applied\nrepellent products:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
cfpub.epa.gov\/oppref\/insect\/#searchform<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The\nDepartment continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne\nillnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis,\nSt. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue. Residents of Florida\nare encouraged to report dead birds via the Florida Fish and Wildlife\nConservation Commission’s site – legacy.myfwc.com\/bird\/default.asp<\/a>.\nFor more information, visit DOH’s website at www.floridahealth.gov\/<\/a>%5C\/diseases-and-conditions\/mosquito-borne-diseases\/index.html\nor contact your county health department.<\/p>\n\n\n\n About\nthe Florida Department of Health<\/p>\n\n\n\n The\ndepartment works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in\nFlorida through integrated state, county and community efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n