ORLANDO, Fla. – A case of West Nile Virus was confirmed in Orange County and officials are warning residents to watch out for mosquitoes and help eliminate breeding sites at their homes.
The Health Department in Orange County issued a health advisory after a case of locally acquired West Nile Virus was reported.
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Starting Wednesday, Oct. 23 crews will begin aerial spraying for mosquitos in the Alafaya area, Apopka, Bithlo, Doctor Phillips, Fort Christmas, Lake Nona and Wedgefield, weather permitting.
The county says spraying will take place after sunset and into the night when mosquitos are most active. the spray uses a very small amount of EPA-approved insecticide to minimize the impact on other insects.
West Nile Virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. While most people who get sick won’t show symptoms, about 1 in 5 people develop a fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rash, while about 1 in 150 people develop a severe neurological illness like encephalitis or meningitis and could get more severe symptoms even leading to death.
People get West Nile through mosquito bites, though it can also be transmitted through blood transfusion or from mother to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding, according to the CDC.
Orange County Mosquito Control said Hurricane Milton left flooding in parts of the county. Heavy rain may have also filled buckets, planters, bird feeders and more. All of those can be mosquito breeding grounds.
Mosquito Control officials are asking people to tip out any standing water such as bird baths, flowerpots, garbage cans and pool covers. You should also toss out any old items that can collect water.
When working in your yard or going out, be sure to cover up or wear mosquito repellant that contains DEET.
Mosquito control officials also said that any residents who would like county crews to treat their yards for mosquitos should call the county’s 311 hotline for assistance.
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