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Duval County Health Department warns of increased West Nile Virus risk

The Duval County Health Department is warning families about an increase in mosquito-borne illness after several flocks of chickens in the county tested positive for West Nile virus.

That means humans are more at risk of catching the infection.

RELATED STORY: Mosquitos in Clay, Glynn counties test positive for West Nile virus

“That’s why I stay in the house all the time,” said Jacksonville resident Katie Williams. “Once I get in the house, I don’t sit on the patio. I don’t go to the beach.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website says eight out of 10 people infected with West Nile have no symptoms, but some people develop fever.

About one in 150 develop serious inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.

The Florida Department of Health reports four Floridians tested positive for West Nile last year.
There's only been one known human case in Florida so far this year.

The Environmental Protection Agency has an online search tool you can use to find the repellent that’s right for you based on how much time you’re going to be outside and what kind of bugs you’re looking to avoid.