Hillsborough resident has West Nile

TAMPA -- The Florida Department of Health on Monday confirmed that a 49-year-old Hillsborough County resident has contracted West Nile viral encephalitis, a potentially fatal brain inflammation.

That brings to 25 the number of human cases in the state. Hillsborough has been under medical alert for the virus since Sept. 9.

West Nile has infected nearly 20 animals in the county this year, including sentinel chickens, horses and birds.

County health officials could not be reached for comment Monday about the latest human case. Local hospital officials would not confirm whether they had treated a West Nile patient.

According to the state Department of Health, 39 of 67 Florida counties are under a West Nile alert.

People who live in those areas are urged to guard against mosquito bites, mainly by wearing long pants and long sleeves at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Officials advise using mosquito repellent when outdoors and eliminating pools of standing water that can be mosquito breeding grounds.

Nationally, more than 40 victims have died this year from the virus.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright