2nd person in Walton County tests positive for West Nile Virus

A second person in Walton County has now tested positive for West Nile Virus – and the health department has now issued a mosquito-borne illness alert.

The virus was found last week in an adult female – it was the first West Nile case in Florida this year.

The second case was confirmed on Tuesday.

West Nile is not limited to Florida - it has been detected in 38 other states this year.

West Nile virus is carried by mosquitoes - about 80 percent of people with West Nile virus infections have no symptoms at all.

Those who do show symptoms generally experience a mild illness with conditions like headache, fever, pain and fatigue.

In some cases, however, the virus can cause a fatal swelling of the brain.

People over the age of 50 and those with weakened immune systems seem to be at increased risk for severe disease.

But everyone should protect themselves from mosquitoes.

The most effective way to do that is to wear long sleeves and long pants at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, or use a good insect repellant with DEET.

You should also check your property for standing water which is where mosquitoes breed.

And remember, if you have any mosquito related concerns, call the Franklin County Mosquito control Department at 670- 8730.

You can also help the state monitor mosquito borne illnesses by reporting any dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission website at www.myfwc.com/bird.

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