Mosquitoes pose threat for West Nile virus

The explosion in the local mosquito population is a big concern.

The Franklin county Commission on Tuesday agreed to buy two new vehicles for the mosquito control department to replace some of their aging machines.

It was an unexpected expenditure but commissioners felt it was necessary because the Franklin County has to do what it can to control mosquitoes and the diseases the insects carry.

Health officials are especially concerned about the potential for West Nile Virus which has been found around the country this year.

There has been 1 confirmed case in Leon County, 11 in Duval and 2 in Escambia County.

An Eastpoint resident was also tested for the disease earlier this week – but those tests came back negative.

Symptoms of the disease include headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion.

Many infected people recover from infection, but it can be dangerous particularly for children and elderly people.

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

The only way to prevent the disease is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

The health department recommends that people stay indoors at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes feed most actively.

If you have to be outside at those times where long pants and a long sleeved shirt and use mosquito repellent containing DEET.

And most importantly, remove all sources of standing water from your property to keep mosquitoes from breeding.

That can include bird baths and tarps on boats to old tires unused flower pots.

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