The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking an early and strong start to the West Nile virus season, with 48 human cases reported across the country so far this year. Normally, the average is about 10 cases by this point in the season.
Local Perspective
In the Tampa Bay area, both Pinellas and Pasco counties have not reported human cases, but they have reported ‘non-human activity,’ according to the CDC case map. Pasco officials told FOX 13 a sentinel chicken tested positive for the virus in April.
Adriane Rogers, the executive director of the Pasco County Mosquito Control District, explained that the chickens don’t become sick from the viruses, but the mosquitoes will feed on them, serving as an early warning system. Since that April case, the district has increased surveillance, conducted targeted mosquito control, trapped and tested mosquitoes, as well as sprayed.
Precautions
Residents should take proper precautions while outdoors, especially during Fourth of July celebrations. Ryan Carney, an associate professor of digital science in USF’s Department of Integrative Biology, suggests remembering the three Ds, especially around dawn and dusk: Drain – remove any standing water around your home, Dress – wear loose-fitting clothing and cover exposed skin when practical, and Defend – wear EPA-registered repellant with DEET being the ‘gold standard.’
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
