The first human case of West Nile Virus this year was confirmed in Alachua County this week.
The identity of the infected individual and the location of the infection were not released, said Anthony Dennis, environmental health director for the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.
Dennis said he doesn’t expect the virus to be a problem in Gainesville because winter is approaching but still warned residents to take precautions.
“We had a human case, so we try to raise everyone’s awareness,” Dennis said.
The department is urging people to drain garbage cans, gutters, flowerpots and any other places where water can collect.
“It only takes a little bit of water to breed 100 mosquitoes,” Dennis said.
Roberto Pereira, an associate research scientist with the UF entomology and nematology department, said people should wear repellent and long-sleeve clothing, close doors and windows and avoid going outside at peak times — dusk and dawn.
“One can minimize the chances of getting the virus if they follow these steps,” Pereira said.
The symptoms of the virus include headaches, fever, dizziness, joint pain and fatigue, Dennis said. These could last two to 14 days after the initial bite.
“With West Nile, you could get it and not even know it,” Dennis said.
