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County on alert for West Nile virus
By JENNIFER LIBERTO West Nile virus-carrying mosquitoes have chomped dozens of animals throughout the Suncoast, and the Florida Department of Health has upgraded Pasco, Hernando and Pinellas counties to medical alert status. The virus was found in chickens, horses or crows in all three counties, said April Crowley, health department spokeswoman. "Right now, it's mainly animal activity," Crowley said. "The medical alert is for heightened awareness for consumers, but also public health care workers, we want everyone on alert for suspected cases." Hernando was added to the list of counties on alert status Monday after five horses and two dead crows tested positive for the virus, said Al Gray, environmental manager of the Hernando County health department. Most infected animals were found on the east and southeastern parts of the county. Four horses were found infected between Sept. 10 and 14, Gray said. All have survived so far. Typically, infected horses have a 30 to 40 percent survival rate, he said. The infected horses were found on Citrus Way, County Line Road, High Corner Road, Olympia Road and Croom Road. The birds were found close to Brooksville. Pasco's alert also stemmed from a high number of infected birds and horses found across the county, Pasco officials said. Four horses recently came down with West Nile and four others are suspected to have it, said Doug Wassmer, entomologist with Pasco County's Mosquito Control District. The horses were in Dade City, Zephyrhills, Land O'Lakes, New Port Richey and San Antonio, Wassmer said. The most recent dead birds came from the Zephyrhills and Wesley Chapel areas, said Carol Cummins of the Pasco Health Department. Horses also have tested positive in neighboring Citrus County. Mosquitoes carry West Nile virus, which is found primarily in birds, but can affect horses and people. Hernando County has doubled spraying over the last few months, said Guangye Hu, director of county mosquito control. The number of mosquitoes has stayed stable, and has even decreased in certain areas, Hu said. The county has no plans to change the way it controls mosquitoes in light of the medical alert. "We have already maximized our efforts, and we are continually monitoring the situation," Hu said. Pasco mosquito sprayers also have been on high alert since last year. Most of district's 12 mosquito spraying trucks, two helicopters and one airplane have sprayed every day since July 13. The battle against the bugs also includes lacing Hernando and Pasco counties with mosquito-attracting chickens, spraying high schools before sporting events and monitoring mosquito populations. Seven confirmed human cases of West Nile have been found in Florida this season, with no deaths, Crowley said. Symptoms are flu-like, including headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness, weakness and confusion. In severe cases West Nile causes encephalitis or brain inflammation. Through Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta has reported 2,072 confirmed human cases throughout the country, including 98 deaths. The Health Department recommends avoiding the outdoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. Those who do go out should wear insect repellent with DEET, as well as long sleeves and pants. Eliminate all standing water around the house, because mosquitoes lay eggs in such places. For information, or to report a possible case of West Nile virus, call the state's West Nile virus hotline toll free at 1-800-871-9703. -- Times staff writer James Thorner contributed to this report.
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