The Hillsborough County Health Department has reported the county's first documented West Nile Virus case since 2004.

An adult male is battling the virus after contracting it sometime in early August. The man has not been identified.

On Saturday, the Hillsborough County Mosquito Control continued extra precautions as the county's mosquito helicopter dropped thousands of pounds of insecticide in the northwest part of the county, near Lowry Elementary School; the case was reported to have occurred in the area.

"We spray the water and we prevent the mosquitoes from becoming adults and going out and biting people," Director of Hillsborough County's Mosquito Control Carlos Ferdandes said.

The recent heavy rain from Tropical Storms Debby and Isaac have overflowed ponds in the area. The overflow gives mosquitoes more area to breed.

After inspecting the area, mosquito control found a tremendous amount of "Culex" larvae. "Culex is a genus of mosquito that is very effective in transmitting the West Nile Virus," Ferdandes said. "That's why we are covering this area intensely." 

The mosquito insecticide was dropped over nearly 600 acres. Ferdandes said his agency is doing everything it can from the air and the ground to combat the problem.

Seeing the helicopter drop mosquito-killing formula gives residents like David Reese a better feeling about the West Nile Virus being reported in the area. Reese said he hopes the county will continue its efforts to stop the spread of the virus. "We know it's in the area," Reese said. "So, we need to do something to stop it."

Dealing with West Nile Virus

The list of symptoms includes fever, headache, tiredness and body aches. Occasionally, a skin rash and swollen lymph nodes develop.

The illness can be as short as a few days, but even healthy people can be sick for several weeks. Due to the rise in mosquito population, the Department of Health is encouraging people to take precautions.

Suggestions include:

  • Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
  • 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: The water balance (pool chemistry) of swimming pools. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
  • CLOTHING: If you must be outside when mosquitoes are active, cover up. Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and long sleeves.
  • REPELLENT: Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing. Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective. Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months. Keep mosquitoes out of your house.

For more information on symptoms, visit the Centers for Disease Control website.