Although Florida hasn’t had a West Nile virus epidemic, UF entomology researchers are ready in case the state’s luck runs out.
As of Aug. 11, Florida has had four cases of West Nile virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
With environmental conditions like Florida’s warm, humid weather, the state is highly susceptible to an epidemic, said Jonathan Day, a medical entomology professor at UF.
On average, Florida sees anywhere from five to 25 cases each year, he said.
"Many years we see only a handful of human cases," Day said.
However, Day warned this could change.
"Everywhere you would expect to see an epidemic there has been (one), except Florida," Day said.
Although an epidemic is likely in the future, Day said there won’t be one this year.
One way he and other UF entomology professors determine the likelihood of an epidemic is to track wild bird populations. Most baby birds are born in the spring, right before the West Nile virus’ peak season, which lasts from June to October, Day said.
By the middle of June, UF researchers had a better idea of the risk, he said.
Baby birds not immune to West Nile virus can host the disease and give it to mosquitoes. Those mosquitoes can go on to infect chickens, horses and humans, he said.
Because of this, UF entomologists use the number of baby birds born to determine the potential for an epidemic.
UF entomologists also take blood samples from mosquitoes and chickens after they’ve been in fields.
"If we get an epidemic in Florida like they had in Colorado (in 2003), we could have 10,000 cases," Day said.
On Aug. 12, the health department in Orange County, Florida, issued a West Nile advisory after several chickens tested positive for the virus.
Based on preliminary results, there could also be outbreaks in Hillsborough and Pinellas Counties, Day said. Residents outside of Hillsborough, Pinellas and Orange Counties don’t need to be concerned, but they should be aware, he said.
