Welcome to

There have been 21 victims of mosquito-borne illnesses reported to the Florida Department of Health this summer. One woman bitten earlier this month contracted West Nile Virus and died. As Whitney Ray tells us, the Department of Health is asking Floridians to take some precautions when heading outdoors.

Chris Mentzel spent Monday playing disc golf. This course will take Chris up hills and down deep into the woods.

“We notice some mosquitoes occasionally. You just swat at them and keep going,” said Mentzel.

Chris brought a cart full of discs, but no bug spray… He’s rethinking his decision.

There have been 21 cases of mosquito-borne illnesses in Florida this summer. Last Wednesday a 64 year old Jacksonville woman died after being bitten by a mosquito with the West Nile Virus.

Doctors with the Florida Department of Health say people who plan on being outdoors need to cover their arms and legs and put bug spray on the parts that aren’t covered. To keep mosquitoes out of your yard remove all standing water… and inside.

“Cover doors and windows with screens so that the mosquitoes don’t get into your home and bite you inside your home,” said Dr. Carina Blackmore.

Judy Ray brought her grandsons to the park Monday, but before they could play she sprayed them down with mosquito repellent.

“I have grandchildren and I want to protect them so the sunscreen, bug spray, it’s all important. It’s all their health,” said Judy.

All the West Nile cases in humans are out of Duval County. Other illnesses like Dengue Fever were found in South Florida. One in every 150 people who contract West Nile develops a severe illness. Fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle weakness and loss of vision are just a few symptoms of the virus.