By NewsDesk  @infectiousdiseasenews

The Florida Department of Health in Miami-Dade County (DOH-Miami-Dade) has reported two additional human West Nile virus (WNV) cases. Both cases were asymptomatic WNV-positive blood donors.

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There are now at a total of 27 WNV infections statewide in 2020 (26 with exposures in Miami-Dade County and one with exposure in Palm Beach County).  Three were symptomatic cases and 24 were asymptomatic blood donors.

WNV is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. It is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected mosquito. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV infections in people.

Most people infected with West Nile virus do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms such as headache, pain, and fatigue. People with mild
illness typically recover within about a week with symptomatic treatment. Less than one-percent of infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. Symptoms typically appear
between two and 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. People over the age of 60 and individuals with weakened immune systems are at an increased risk for severe disease.

DOH-Miami-Dade continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to “Drain and Cover”–DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying, COVER skin with clothing or repellent and COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.