Is West Nile in the Jacksonville FL Area?
Posted by Mosquito SquadSeptember 5, 2024
As of August 27, 2024, there is one case of West Nile virus in Duval County, and only three cases in all of Florida.
These numbers can be expected to increase in the coming days and weeks. Currently, a large percentage of West Nile cases across the U.S. are classified as neuroinvasive. This statistic is one that varies year-by-year, with some years having as little as 1% neuroinvasive West Nile virus cases. At the time of this writing, 67% of WNV cases in the United States are neuroinvasive, including the one reported case in Duval County.
Monitor the CDC’s West Nile virus statistics for 2024 here.
What does neuroinvasive West Nile virus mean?
According to the CDC, neuroinvasive West Nile virus, “typically manifests as meningitis, encephalitis, or acute flaccid myelitis.” Neuroinvasive West Nile has an incubation period of up to two weeks after the mosquito bite occurs, often beginning with acute fever. Immune compromised individuals, who are at higher risk of this type if infection, might experience an incubation period longer than two weeks.
Approximately 10% of those suffering with the neuroinvasive type of West Nile will die, with the encephalitic and flaccid myelitic varieties having higher fatality rates than those suffering from WNV meningitis.
These types of WNV could involve serious symptoms, like high fever, stiff neck, loss of coordination, confusion, and loss of consciousness. If you begin to show symptoms of WNV after a known mosquito bite, seek medical attention.
Which state has the most cases of West Nile virus in 2024?
Texas currently holds the title as the state with the most cases of WNV, with 41 confirmed cases. Mississippi comes in second place with 25 cases, and Nebraska is number three with 24 human cases of West Nile virus as of August 27, 2024, with 33 states reporting the mosquito-borne illness.
Should we be worried about West Nile virus in Florida?
This is the time of year that mosquito-borne illnesses will peak across the country. There is always reason to be concerned about avoiding mosquito diseases in Florida, where mosquitoes can be active throughout the year. As there is no vaccine and no surefire cure for West Nile virus, it is recommended that Florida residents take precaution during time spent outdoors.
These precautionary measures include:
- Wearing pants, long sleeves, or clothing treated with permethrin
- Wearing CDC recommended mosquito repellent on exposed skin
- Clearing your property of puddles or other stagnant water sources
- Enlisting the help of mosquito control professionals
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