Long Beach confirms first West Nile Virus death this year

Officials did not say where the man contracted the illness, or when the man died. Further details on the patient are being kept confidential.

The Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County has upgraded the mosquito-borne illness advisory to an alert for Hillsborough County due to the confirmation of an asymptomatic case of West Nile virus being identified in the county.

“This is a sad reminder of how severe West Nile Virus can be”, Dr. Kushner said. “We strongly encourage residents to protect themselves and family members from mosquitoes”.

This year, no deaths related to the virus have been reported.

The state Department of Environmental Management said Wednesday that the remaining 83 mosquito samples from 37 traps set statewide on September 21 came back negative for both West Nile and Eastern Equine encephalitis.

Symptoms may never materialize, but can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, skin rashes and swollen lymph nodes. In rare cases, the virus can cause inflammation and swelling of the brain and death.

The eight people are between the ages of 30 and 90.

To reduce mosquito habitats: Prevent items such as buckets, cans, pool covers, flower pots, and tires from holding standing water.

Using insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or products containing IR3535.

Avoid mosquito-infested areas, especially at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long trousers while outdoors.