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West Nile Virus Found in Charlotte County

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The Florida Department of Health in Charlotte County confirmed a human case of West Nile virus, last week.

A sentinel chicken has also tested positive for the virus and the health department has warned that the risk of transmission to humans has increased.

West Nile virus is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms can include headaches, joint pains, vomiting and diarrhea in mild cases and can affect the nervous system in more severe cases.

To prevent contracting the West Nile virus, or other mosquito-borne diseases, the Florida Health Department encourages people to cover their skin as much as possible and wear repellent to prevent being bitten. To reduce mosquito breeding, people should drain standing water from around their homes.

Andrea Perdomo is a reporter for WGCU News. She started her career in public radio as an intern for the Miami-based NPR station, WLRN. Andrea graduated from Florida International University, where she was a contributing writer for the student-run newspaper, The Panther Press, and was also a member of the university's Society of Professional Journalists chapter.