Florida Department of Health confirms West Nile virus infection in Northeast Florida

Duval and Nassau counties have reported two human cases of West Nile virus Thursday. The Florida Department of Health has issued a mosquito-borne illness advisory for these areas.

Earlier this month, Duval county found several cases of virus in chickens and horses. The city of Jacksonville Mosquito Control division and The Department of Health in Duval said they will continue surveillance and prevention efforts.

“You’re weak and you’re feverish,” neighbor Bonnie Swisher said. “A lot of people who have it end up with paralysis, they end up dying from it so it’s a very serious infection.”

Swisher told Action News Jax she was diagnosed with the virus awhile back. It was first undetected because she was only suffering from a fever. She has since been treated, however, the virus lead to another illness.

“I ended up getting fibrillation from it,” Swisher said. “So now I have that for the rest of my life to deal with.”

The Center for Disease Control reported eight human deaths from the virus around the country this year so far.

The Florida Department of Health recommend “Drain and Cover” as method for protection. Drain any standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying, as well as, cover skin with clothing or repellent.

Action News Jax reached out to other surrounding counties about any other reported cases of West Nile virus but have not heard back yet.

Cox Media Group