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Bay County Health Officials Confirm Fourth West Nile Virus Case

mosquitoes flying
Florida Department of Health

Bay County now has a fourth human case of West Nile Virus.

County Health Department spokeswoman Heather Kretzer says older residents who are particularly at risk for the mosquito-borne disease need to take serious precautions to avoid the West Nile Virus.

“Those symptoms include a high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, and paralysis,” she said.

Kretzer says people should remember to drain any standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying, cover skin with clothing or repellent, as well as cover screens and doors. Last week, Bay county health officials confirmed a case of the West Nile virus. Two more were discovered in July.

For more news updates, follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter: @SaschaCordner.

Sascha Cordner has more than ten years of public radio experience. It includes working at NPR member station WUFT-FM in Gainesville for several years. She's worked in both radio and TV, serving in various capacities as a reporter, producer and anchor. She's also a graduate of the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in telecommunications. She is the recipient of 15 awards from the Associated Press, Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), and Edward R. Murrow. Her award-winning stories include her coverage on the infamous “Dozier School for Boys” and a feature titled "Male Breast Cancer: Lost in the Sea of Pink." Currently, Sascha serves as the host and producer of local and state news content for the afternoon news program "All Things Considered" at WFSU. Sascha primarily covers criminal justice and social services issues. When she's not reporting, Sascha likes catching up on her favorite TV shows, singing and reading. Follow Sascha Cordner on Twitter:@SaschaCordner.