A Duval County resident has tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) becoming the third case in the state of Florida this year.
Image/David Benbennick
In addition, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County (DOH-Duval) advised residents there has been an increase in mosquito-borne disease activity in areas of Duval County.
Health officials say the risk of further transmission to humans exists. City of Jacksonville Mosquito Control and DOH-Duval continue surveillance and prevention efforts. DOH-Duval reminds residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.
WNV is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes through bites. Most, about 4 out of 5, people infected will experience no symptoms and develop immunity. About 1 in 5 infected people develop a low grade fever, headache and muscle aches that begin a week or two after becoming infected. Generally, no treatment is needed.
However, in less than 1 percent of infected people, serious, life-threatening symptoms develop including headache, rash, high fever, stiff neck, mental confusion, and other symptoms.
Since the first WNV cases were reported in 2001, Florida has seen 357 total cases, including the one mentioned above.
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