REPORT: West Nile virus cases confirmed in Collier County

Multiple cases of West Nile virus have been confirmed in Collier County, according to the Florida Department of Health.

The Florida Department of Health in Collier County issued a mosquito-borne illness alert for the county on Friday. There is a heightened concern additional residents will become ill, according to the statement.

DOH-Collier continues to advise the public to remain diligent in their personal mosquito protection efforts by remembering to “Drain and Cover.” DRAIN standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying.

According to the CDC, about 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.

Others could develop a severe illness affecting the central nervous system such as encephalitis or meningitis. It is important to note that 8 out of 10 infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms, according to the CDC. Read more about the symptoms here.

It is unclear how many cases have been confirmed.

You can track the confirmed cases here.