Suspected case of West Nile virus in Volusia Co.

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Just over a week after the West Nile virus was found in chickens in Seminole County, health officials in Volusia County said a 34-year-old woman is suspected of having the virus.

The case is under investigation while the state lab processes it to determine if it is confirmed as the virus.

Earlier Thursday, health officials said it was a confirmed case, but later issued a release saying it was only a suspected case that had to be confirmed by the state lab.

The mosquito-borne illness can cause encephalitis, a swelling of the brain that causes flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, severe headache or problems with senses or movement.

Officials are still warning people to protect themselves from the insects in the following ways:

• Drain standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

• Drain water from any containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.

• Discard old tires, bottles, cans, pots and pans et al. that aren't being used.

• Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.

• Use tarps that don't accumulate water.

• Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use and keep swimming pools chlorinated.

• Keep skin covered with clothing or repellent, especially in areas where mosquitoes are present. (Repellents with DEET(N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.)

• Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.

WFTV