As if the coronavirus wasn't enough, the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County is confirming a return of West Nile.
Health officials say there has been a locally-acquired case of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus in a person and that there is a heightened concern that additional residents may become sick.
The last human cases of West Nile Virus in Palm Beach County were in 2018, and those were imported.
Residents are reminded to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes and to take basic precautions to help limit exposure.
That includes draining standing water on your property.
Steve Fazekas, an environmental analyst with Palm Beach County Mosquito Control, says even the smallest items can be breeding grounds.
"It's very true that very small containers can be an issue in backyards. The type of things that people may overlook."
He says that includes even things as small as an upturned bottle cap can be an issue.
The Health Department says 80 percent of West Nile Virus infections are asymptomatic, but those who do develop West Nile Fever may have a headache, fever, pain and fatigue.
Here are some more tips from the Florida Dept. of Health:
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
• 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.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent.
• Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
• Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menthane-diol, 2-undecanone and IR3535 are effective.
• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
The Department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya and dengue.
Photo: Getty Images