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ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Health Department (ACHD) has confirmed that the three suspected human West Nile Virus cases are negative. Confirmatory testing by the Florida Department of Health Laboratory indicates that all three individuals have not been recently infected and that one person was infected in the past. Alachua County still remains under a Mosquito Borne Illness Advisory. “This is comforting news for our three citizens.” stated Paul Myers, Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department. “This investigation underscores the importance of confirmatory testing.” Human WNV transmission is still a concern in Alachua County as surveillance data continues to demonstrate mosquito-borne disease activity.
The ACHD advises residents and visitors to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes that may cause encephalitis disease. The ACHD continues surveillance and prevention efforts and encourages everyone to take basic precautions to help limit exposure by following the department of health recommendations. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember “Drain and Cover”:
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying
COVER skin with clothing or repellent
COVER doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house
Tips on Repellent Use
DOH continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds via the web site for Surveillance of Wild-bird Die-offs. For more information, visit DOH’s Environmental Public Health web site, or call the Alachua County Health Department at 352-334-7930.
The goal of the Alachua County Health Department is to promote, protect, maintain and improve health and safety of all the citizens and visitors.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in order to participate in a County program, service or public meeting, please contact the Alachua County Equal Opportunity Office at 352-374-5275 at least 2 business days prior to the event. TTY users please call 711 (Florida Relay Service).