Health advisory issued in Broward after case of West Nile Virus

Broward County Health Department is again emphasizing the importance of protection against mosquito-borne diseases after receiving confirmation of a case of West Nile Virus Fever (WNV) acquired in Broward County.  This is the first confirmed case in Broward County since 2004.

The individual was diagnosed with WNV based on symptoms and confirmed by laboratory tests.  The individual, who has fully recovered, reported no out-of-county travel in the two weeks prior to becoming ill.

WNV is a viral disease transmitted by mosquitoes.  It is not spread from person to person.  The symptoms of WNV include, fever, rash, headache, fatigue, weakness and dizziness. There is no specific medication or vaccine for WNV.  If you are experiencing symptoms common to WNV, please call your healthcare provider to see if you need to be seen.  Physicians should contact their county health department if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness. Other known diseases carried by mosquitoes in Broward County include: Dengue (DNV), St. Louis Encephalitis (SLEV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEEV).

“We are pleased that the individual has fully recovered and we will continue to work with our mosquito control partners to minimize the potential for additional mosquito-borne infections,” said Paula Thaqi, M.D., MPH, Director, Broward County Health Department.  “We strongly encourage all residents and visitors to take appropriate measures to guard against mosquito-borne illness.”

These include:

• Avoid outdoor activities when mosquitoes are most active.
• Dress in clothing that covers the skin (long pants and long sleeves).
• Use DEET (with concentrations up to 30%) or other repellents containing picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus - when the potential exists for exposure to mosquitoes.  It is NOT recommended to use DEET on children less than two months of age. Instead, infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting used over carriers.  Always read the manufacturer’s directions carefully before applying repellent.
• Check Drainage - around your home and rid it and surrounding areas of any standing water where mosquitoes can lay their eggs.
• Make sure that windows remain closed or are sealed completely by Screens. Keep screens in good repair

Tips on Repellent Use

• Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before applying a repellent.
• In protecting children, make sure the repellent is appropriate. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months 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.

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.

For more information on mosquito-borne diseases, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factSheet.htm,

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4. BROWARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT OPENS H1N1 HIGH RISK VACCINATION CLINIC
5. Free immunizations from Broward Health Department

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Posted by Andrea Freygang on Sep 20 2010. Filed under Broward County, Health, Latest news, Local news. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry