A case of human West Nile virus (WNV), which is a form of mosquito-borne encephalitis, has been confirmed in Mobile County, according to Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, Health Officer for the Mobile County Health Department.
This is the first human case reported in Mobile County this year. Because of patient confidentiality laws, no other information is available about the case.
Humans with WNV and other mosquito-borne diseases often have symptoms of high fever, severe headache, nausea, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness, paralysis, disorientation, and seizures that are severe enough to require medical attention, Eichold said. In rare cases, WNV can cause coma or death. The seriousness of an illness may depend on a person’s health and age. WNV affects the elderly most severely, health data shows.
“The public should assume that there are mosquitoes carrying the disease throughout Mobile County,” Dr. Eichold said. “Don’t let your guard down.”
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