West Nile activity increased in Lee County
For the first time this year, there is a significant increase in the number of sentinel chickens testing positive for West Nile Virus in Lee County. No human or horse cases have been reported in the county as of yet.
Lee County Mosquito Control is actively monitoring and spraying the effected areas. People who are concerned about excessive mosquito activity in their neighborhood should contact Lee County Mosquito Control at 694-2174 or Fort Myers Beach Mosquito Control at 463-6350.
West Nile virus may cause 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 3 and 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
Anyone with symptoms of fever, headache, confusion or stiff neck should contact their physician or emergency department. Physicians should contact the LCHD if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness. DOH laboratories provide testing services for physicians treating patients with clinical signs of mosquito-borne diseases.
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
Tips to avoid mosquito bites: Remember the 5 D’s:
Dusk and Dawn Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are seeking blood.
Dress Wear clothing that covers most of your skin.
DEET When the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes, repellents containing up to 30 percent DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are recommended. Other effective mosquito repellents include picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535.
Drainage Check around your home to rid the area of standing water, where mosquitoes lay eggs.
Tips on repellent use
Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent.
In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is appropriate. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children less than three years old.
Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when outside.
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.
Apply insect repellent to exposed skin or onto clothing, but not under clothing. Do not apply repellent to the eyes or mouth, cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to clothing or gear.
Tips on eliminating mosquito breeding sites
Remove water in old tires, buckets, garbage cans, and other containers where water collects.
Check clogged gutters and flat roofs that may have poor drainage.
Fill in holes or dips in the ground that collect water. Level the ground around your home so water can run off.
Empty birdbaths, water bowls, plant pots, and wading pools once or twice a week.
Store boats upside down or with a cover
Check screens for holes and tears