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West Nile Alert: 5th human case of West Nile confirmed in Bay County

News Herald - 9/24/2018

Sept. 24--PANAMA CITY -- The Florida Health Department of Bay County has confirmed another human case of West Nile virus, bringing the total in Bay County this year to five.

According to a news release, this additional case raises concern for human transmission. The area has been under a mosquito-borne illness alert since July, when two human cases of the virus were identified.

Panama City Beach Mosquito Control, Bay County Mosquito Control and DOH-Bay continue surveillance and prevention efforts, the news release reads.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 80 percent of those who contract West Nile will experience no symptoms. Some people may develop minor symptoms, including fever, headache, body and joint ache, vomiting and a rash. If those symptoms occur after exposure to mosquitoes, a doctor visit is in order.

In rare cases -- one in 150 people -- a person might develop a more serious form of encephalitis or meningitis from the West Nile virus, with symptoms like a high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, vision problems or numbness.

West Nile is endemic to Florida, meaning it is common in the area and occurs here naturally. Locally, the virus is actually carried by birds and passed on to mosquitoes.

Health care providers and laboratories are required to report a confirmed West Nile diagnosis by the next business day.

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(c)2018 The News Herald (Panama City, Fla.)

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