The Florida Department of Health confirmed on Monday Alachua County’s first case of the West Nile virus this year. There were no reported cases of the virus in the county last year.
The West Nile virus is a flu-like illness spread through mosquito bites. People infected with the virus may experience symptoms including fever, headache and body aches.
The virus is most commonly reported during mosquito season, which runs from June through October.
The virus is caused by mosquitoes feeding on infected wildlife such as birds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Humans rarely spread the virus, unless in rare cases like blood transfusions and organ transplants.
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County said residents should report dead birds to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County also issued a Mosquito-Borne Illness Advisory on Monday. To avoid the virus, the department said residents should use mosquito repellent and prevent mosquitoes from entering their homes.
To further combat the virus, the department is monitoring its spread and using targeted spraying to limit transmission.
The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County declined to comment.
There were 13 reported cases of the West Nile virus in Florida last year. Alachua County’s case is currently the only in the state this year.
Contact Olivia Lofaso at olofaso@alligator.org. Follow her on X @OLofaso77652.
Olivia Lofaso is a third-year journalism student and the Summer 2026 city/county commission reporter. She previously worked as a contributing writer at The Alligator. In her free time she enjoys visiting art museums and solving crosswords.
