By WUFT-FM Staff

Alachua County Health officials are encouraging citizens to take extra precautions against mosquitoes as Jacksonville has recently reported its first human case of the West Nile virus. Alachua County Health Department’s Environmental Health Director Anthony Dennis believes risks of transmission have increased within the county.

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Dennis says Alachua County has had experience with the West Nile virus.

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Although the last reported case was 10 years ago, a far worse mosquito-borne disease was recently detected in Alachua County. On July 19, Eastern Equine Enchephalitis detected by Alachua surveillance systems. Although Triple E is extremely rare, it is more infectious and fatal than West Nile. Dennis hopes people stay vigilant to reduce possible exposure to disease.

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Dennis recommends citizens change out door and window screens to protect their homes from mosquito populations