State health officials are confirming a case of West Nile virus infection in Volusia County.
The Florida Department of Health says none of the county's sentinel chickens have tested positive for antibodies to the virus. However, officials say this single case increases the concern for transmission to humans.
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking basic precautions to help to limit exposure.
The DOH suggests:
- Wear long pants, socks and long sleeves to offer protection against being bitten by mosquitoes
- Wear repellent
- Drain any standing water
People should also do the following to prevent mosquitoes from breeding:
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected
- Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don’t accumulate water
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated
- Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use