DOH-Alachua Issues Mosquito-Borne Illness Alert

This press release was published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.

The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (DOH-Alachua) is informing residents of a second confirmed case of locally-acquired West Nile virus infection. DOH-Alachua and Alachua County, City of Gainesville, City of Alachua and City of Newberry Mosquito Control are coordinating surveillance and prevention efforts by treating county-maintained retention basins and targeted spraying.

Many people who are infected with West Nile virus do not get sick; however, some people may have symptoms including, but not limited to, fever, headache, body aches, weakness, rash, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Less common symptoms include neck stiffness, altered mental status, and disorientation. Symptoms of West Nile virus can appear anytime between 2 to 14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. West Nile virus is not contagious between people, but it is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito.

DOH-Alachua reminds the community to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by taking these basic precautions. 

The department continues to conduct statewide surveillance for mosquito-borne illnesses, including West Nile virus infections, Eastern equine encephalitis, St. Louis encephalitis, malaria, chikungunya, and dengue. Residents of Florida are encouraged to report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

For more information, visit the department’s mosquito prevention webpage or view the weekly mosquito-borne illness surveillance reports. If you are experiencing any symptoms, please call DOH-Alachua at 352-334-7900.