The Florida Department of Health in Sarasota County issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory Oct. 23 after confirmation of a human case of locally acquired West Nile virus.
DOH-Sarasota and Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services have coordinated surveillance and prevention, and Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services has already conducted mosquito control treatments in the area.
West Nile virus affects the central nervous system and can cause serious illness. However, about 80% of people who become infected with the virus will not show any symptoms.
Which mosquitoes carry West Nile virus?
The two types of mosquitoes that typically carry West Nile virus are Culex nigripalpus and Culex quinquefasciatus, the latter of which is also known as the southern house mosquito.
Both mosquito
types thrive in wet, hot, humid conditions.
Culex quinquefasciatus frequently flourishes in backyards.
West Nile virus is typically present in birds and mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes can spread the disease after biting an infected bird. They usually bite other birds but occasionally bite humans.
For more information, visit sarasota.floridahealth.gov.
Mosquito-borne illness surveillance is ongoing
The department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue.
Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s site.
Earle Kimel primarily covers local governments in Sarasota County as well as land development and environmental issues for the Herald-Tribune. Follow him on Facebook and X. He can be reached by email at earle.kimel@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota County confirms locally acquired West Nile virus case
