MONROE REMAINS ON WEST NILE ALERT LIST
The Florida Department of Health reminds Keys residents and visitors that Monroe County remains under a medical alert following a diagnosis of several cases of West Nile virus. The alert is in effect for 35 other Florida counties as well.
The warning was first issued Aug. 24, following identification of the virus in the bloodstream of a 73-year-old Sarasota County female who visited Marathon July 8-23. That victim, as well as two others have recovered.
Despite the alert, the chances for a resident or visitor to contract the disease is highly unlikely according to Monroe County state health department officials and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). According to the CDC, even in areas where mosquitoes do carry the virus, very few mosquitoes — less than 1 percent — are infected. Less than 1 percent of people who are bitten by an infected mosquito and become infected will become severely ill. The risk factor is highest among the very young, elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
Neither health department nor mosquito control officials are advising Keys visitors to cancel their vacation plans. They are, however, asking Keys residents and visitors to take basic precautions, including:
* Avoid outdoor activities between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are likely to be feeding.
* If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, cover up by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
* Use mosquito repellant, containing DEET, according to manufacturer’s directions.
* Eliminate stagnant water in any receptacle in which mosquitoes might breed.
Monroe County businesses or residences that have any problems with mosquito infestations are asked to contact Mosquito Control at 1-800-276-7493. Any freshly deceased wild birds should be reported to the health department at (305) 289-2720.
Additional information is available at www.myflorida.com and www.cdc.gov.