For the first time this year, there is a significant increase in the number of sentinel chickens testing positive for West Nile Virus in Lee County, according to the Lee County Health Department.
No human or horse cases have been reported in Lee County.
Lee County Mosquito Control is actively monitoring and spraying the effected areas. People who are concerned about excessive mosquito activity in their neighborhood should contact Lee County Mosquito Control at 694-2174.
West Nile virus may cause mild symptoms including headache, fever, dizziness and fatigue, but severe neurological symptoms are also possible.
Although mosquito-borne diseases can cause serious illnesses and even death in people of any age, children and those over 50 are at greatest risk for severe disease. Symptoms typically appear between 3 and 14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.
Anyone with symptoms of fever, headache, confusion or stiff neck should contact their physician or emergency department.
Physicians should contact the LCHD if they suspect an individual may have a mosquito-borne illness. DOH laboratories provide testing services for physicians treating patients with clinical signs of mosquito-borne diseases.
For more information on mosquito borne illnesses, visit the FDOH Web site at www.doh.state.fl.us/Environment/medicine/arboviral/index.html; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at www.cdc.gov; or the
Lee County Mosquito Control District Web site at www.lcmcd.org

Source: Lee County Health Department