News Summary
Florida health officials have raised alarms regarding a significant increase in West Nile Virus (WNV) activity following positive tests in 14 sentinel chickens across multiple counties. While no new human or horse cases have been reported recently, health authorities urge residents to be cautious and watch for symptoms like low-grade fever and joint pain. This comes amidst a rising mosquito population, particularly after heavy rainfall. Residents are advised to take preventive measures to mitigate mosquito bites.
St. Petersburg, Florida – Florida health officials are sounding the alarm about a surge in West Nile Virus (WNV) activity, prompting urgent precautions for residents. This warning comes after positive tests for WNV antibodies were found in 14 sentinel chickens across several counties, including Citrus, Hillsborough, and Pinellas.
The Pinellas County Mosquito Control, which monitors WNV activity through its sentinel chicken program, confirmed the findings as part of their ongoing surveillance. Currently, there have been no new reported cases of WNV in humans or horses in the past week. However, health officials emphasize that residents should remain vigilant for symptoms such as low-grade fever and joint pain.
This year, Florida has reported one confirmed human case of West Nile Virus, alongside five asymptomatic blood donors and one infected horse and duck. Additionally, 60 sentinel chickens across 21 counties have tested positive for the virus, indicating a potential risk for further human infections as the mosquito population increases.
The rise in mosquito activity is largely attributed to recent heavy rainfall throughout Florida, particularly in Pinellas County. As a result, health officials urge residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites. These precautions include eliminating any standing water around homes, wearing protective clothing, and using insect repellent.
Historically, most human cases of West Nile Virus in Florida occur during August, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The state has also documented a notable increase in mosquito-borne diseases this year, with at least 98 reported cases across 23 states, many of which have been classified as neuroinvasive.
In addition to West Nile Virus, Florida has seen other mosquito-borne illnesses, with six reported cases of dengue fever and eight cases of malaria this year. The overall mosquito season in Florida has been impacted by global temperature rises, which have extended the breeding season for mosquitoes.
Currently, Brevard, Escambia, and Miami-Dade counties are under mosquito-borne illness alerts, while Lafayette and St. Johns counties have been placed under advisories. Health officials stress the importance of ongoing community efforts to control mosquito populations through surveillance, prevention measures, and public awareness campaigns that promote personal protection.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local mosquito activity and adhere to recommended guidelines to minimize their risk of contracting West Nile Virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. With the peak of mosquito season approaching, proactive measures are crucial in safeguarding public health.
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Additional Resources
- WTSP News
- Wikipedia: West Nile Virus
- Palm Beach Post
- Google Search: West Nile Virus Florida
- Action News Jax
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mosquito
- Gainesville.com
- Google News: Mosquito Bite Prevention
Author: STAFF HERE PETERSBURG WRITER
ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
