Miami-Dade West Nile Virus Case Confirmed

The 27-year-old man confirmed to have had West Nile has fully recovered, officials said

Miami-Dade County’s health administrator issued an advisory Wednesday after a man was confirmed to have had the West Nile Virus.

The 27-year-old man has fully recovered, the health department said. This was the first confirmed of human case of West Nile Virus in Miami-Dade since 2009.

The mosquito-borne illness advisory was issued to help prevent being bitten by mosquitoes that may carry the virus.

August to October is the peak season for the mosquito or vector that transmits the virus. 

"We know that the vector is here, and we have it in all parts of the county" said Lillian Rivera Administrator of the Miami-Dade County Health Department.

It was early August when the department was advised of a suspected case that was recently confirmed.

"The person was sick for several days before he sought medical care. Once he sought medical care he was in the hospital again for several days and recovered completely from his infection," said Dr. Vincent Conte.

 

The vast majority of people who get the virus don't know it. Only 20 percent develop symptoms which include, headache, fever, fatigue, dizziness and confusions. Conte said some people who are elderly or have weakened immune systems can suffer permanent neurological damage.

In Miami-Dade in 2004 two people died from this virus.

The county's Mosquito Control division has set traps across the county to keep tabs on the species that transmits West Nile Virus. Spraying will continue in areas where the mosquito population is a concern.  

To be protected,  health officials are urging the public to follow two steps -  Drain and Cover.   Drain standing water from garbage cans, flower pots and baby pools.  Cover skin with repellent and clothing.  Make sure windows have screens.

For more information click on the health department's website.

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