Health officials have confirmed the first human case of West Nile virus in Hillsborough County.
The case, which involves an adult man, is the eighth human case to be confirmed in the state of Florida in 2015.
Health officials are urging residents and visitors to take precautions to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes.
In addition, the county’s mosquito and aquatic weed control are continuing surveillance and prevention efforts, as there is continued concern that others may become ill from being bitten by an infected mosquito.
To protect yourself from mosquitoes, you should remember to "Drain and Cover":
DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.
- Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
- Discard old tires, bottles, pots, broken appliances and other items not being used.
- Empty and clean birdbaths and pets' water bowls at least twice a week.
- Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
- Maintain swimming pools in good condition and appropriately chlorinated.
- Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.
COVER skin with clothing or repellent and cover doors and windows.
- Wear comfortable shoes, socks, and long pants and long sleeves when mosquitoes are most prevalent.
- Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and clothing.
- Always use repellents according to the label. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered repellents with 10-30 percent DEET, picaridin, IR3535 and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-mentane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.
- Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
- Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child's skin and clothing.
- Place screens on windows, doors, porches and patios. Always repair broken screens.