2nd Human Case of West Nile Virus Reported in DE

The second human case of West Nile Virus has been reported in Delaware.  Public Health officials say a 68 year old New Castle County man was hospitalized in July and remains in the hospital due to underlying health conditions unrelated to the virus.  A 60 year old Sussex County man was the first reported case of West Nile Virus this year.  Public Health officials urge everyone to protect themselves and loved ones to avoid mosquito bites.

Some steps you can take include using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents (do not use on babies younger than 2 months old), wearing light-colored long-sleeved shirts and pants when outside and using mosquito netting to protect infants in carriages, strollers and playpens.

To assist the State’s mosquito control efforts, and to reduce mosquito-breeding habitat for mosquitoes that can transmit WNV, DNREC urges homeowners to practice good water sanitation on their property by eliminating standing water, particularly as might be collected in buckets, containers, uncovered trash cans, stagnant bird baths, old tires and unused swimming pools.