West Nile virus infects two more people in Miami-Dade, Department of Health says
Miami-Dade now has 24 West Nile virus infections in 2020 after two more people were identified with it, the Florida Department of Health of Miami-Dade announced Monday.
Mosquito bites transmit West Nile, which actually has no symptoms to most people infected. Otherwise, between two days and two weeks from the transmitting bite, about 20% of those infected will suffer fever, headache, pain and weariness. Less than 1%, most likely from a group over 60 or with a weakened immune system, will deal with serious symptoms that could lead to death.
To avoid mosquito bites in general, the health department suggests:
▪ Drain standing water everywhere possible.
▪ Cover skin with clothes or mosquito repellent, but not repellent on skin under clothes.
▪ Don’t put mosquito repellent on children’s hands. Also, don’t use repellents with oil of the lemon eucalyptus or para-methane-diol on children under the age of 3.
This story was originally published July 27, 2020 at 1:44 PM.
