JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Health officials have confirmed a second case of locally acquired West Nile virus in Duval County, the Florida Department of Health in Duval County announced Tuesday. The DOH reported the first case August 31.
The Duval County DOH and Jacksonville Mosquito Control are coordinating ground spraying and surveillance efforts to control mosquito populations.
Health officials are reminding community members to take basic precautions to avoid mosquito bites as prevention efforts continue in the area.
West Nile virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and cannot be transmitted directly between humans. While many people infected with the virus display no symptoms, health officials advise that illness can develop between two and 14 days following a bite.
Common symptoms of West Nile virus infection include fever, headache, body aches, weakness, rash, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Less severe cases may involve no illness at all, while less common symptoms include neck stiffness, altered mental status and disorientation.
Residents experiencing symptoms are advised to call DOH-Duval at 904-253-1850.
As part of monitoring efforts, Florida residents are encouraged to report sightings of dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
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