LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A new warning from the Lee County Health Department says they are seeing an increase in mosquito-borne diseases.
Several sentinel chickens tested positive for West Nile virus.
Although human related illnesses haven't been reported in Lee County, the infected chickens increase the risk of transmission.
So health officials are urging residents to take precaution by draining any standing water near homes, wearing repellent, and covering all doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
The virus is spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito.
After being infected, the virus can go on undetected because most people do not develop any symptoms.
Officials say 20% of people develop symptoms such as headaches, fever, pain, and fatigue.
These symptoms can appear between 2 and 14 days after being infected.
An even smaller percentage off infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal illness. Those at risk are over the age of 60 and people with weakened immune systems.
