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Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus in Sarasota County

 
Mosquitoes in Sarasota County near Venice have tested positive for West Nile Virus. [Associated Press]
Mosquitoes in Sarasota County near Venice have tested positive for West Nile Virus. [Associated Press]
Published July 26, 2018

Mosquitoes in Sarasota County near Venice have tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Sarasota County Mosquito Management Services.

It is the first reported case of West Nile in the Sarasota area this year, according to Sarasota's Mosquito Management Services. No humans have been affected by the virus-borne mosquitoes.

In accordance with the Mosquito Management Services, the Florida Department of Health has been collecting samples from mosquitoes and sending them to labs for testing. Small pools — groups of less than 50 — of mosquitoes were discovered to be carrying West Nile virus after lab tests searched for the virus, as well as Eastern Equine Encephalitis and St. Louis Encephalitis.

Mosquito control has already treated the area near Venice where the pools of mosquitoes were found, the organization said.

West Nile virus affects the central nervous system and can cause serious illness. Common symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, skin rash and swollen lymph nodes. In more serious cases, symptoms and signs may include neck stiffness, sleepiness, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions and paralysis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 2017, there was a total of four confirmed West Nile virus cases affecting humans in the state. In 2012, there were 69 cases in Florida and, in 2003, there were 92, according to the Florida Department of Health. Every state in the country has had at least one case of West Nile virus, except for Alaska, according to the department.