The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County confirms a human case of West Nile Virus.

The 34-year-old woman's suspected case was reported Sept. 4 and confirmed by a state laboratory.

There are not any medications to treat or vaccines to prevent the virus.

Approximately one in five people who are infected will develop symptoms such as fever, headache and a skin rash.

The county was placed under a mosquito-borne illness advisory in June after Eastern Equine Encephalitis was confirmed in three horses and several sentinel chickens.

The health department has since extended the advisory.

Surveillance and prevention efforts are ongoing throughout the county, but officials say there are always a few things you can do to help protect yourself.

The health department is asking everyone to take steps to reduce standing water to stop mosquitoes from multiplying and issued the following recommendations:

  • Drain water from garbage cans, house gutters, buckets, pool covers, coolers, toys, flower pots or any other containers where sprinkler or rain water has collected.
  • Discard old tires, drums, bottles, cans, pots and pans, broken appliances and other items that aren't being used.
  • Empty and clean birdbaths and pet's water bowls at least once or twice a week.
  • Protect boats and vehicles from rain with tarps that don't accumulate water.
  • Maintain swimming pools in good condition with appropriate chlorination. Empty plastic swimming pools when not in use.

They also offer tips for covering and protecting your skin.

  • Cover skin with clothing or repellent.
  • Clothing - Wear shoes, socks, and long pants and long-sleeves if outside when mosquitoes are active. This type of protection may be necessary for people who must work in areas where mosquitoes are present.
  • Repellent - Apply mosquito repellent to bare skin and clothing.
  • Always use repellents according to the label. Repellents with DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, and IR3535 are effective.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect children younger than 2 months old.
  • Cover doors and windows with screens to keep mosquitoes out of your house.
  • Repair broken screening on windows, doors, porches, and patios.
  • Always read label directions carefully for the approved usage before you apply a repellent.
  • Some repellents are not suitable for children.
  • Products with concentrations of up to 30 percent DEET are generally recommended.
  • Other EPA-approved repellents contain Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. These products are generally available at local pharmacies. Look for active ingredients to be listed on the product label.
  • Apply insect repellent to exposed skin, or onto clothing, but not under clothing.
  • In protecting children, read label instructions to be sure the repellent is age-appropriate. According to the CDC, mosquito repellents containing oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under the age of 3 years. DEET is not recommended on children younger than 2 months old.
  • Avoid applying repellents to the hands of children. Adults should apply repellent first to their own hands and then transfer it to the child's skin and clothing.
  • Infants should be kept indoors or mosquito netting should be used over carriers when mosquitoes are present.

If additional protection is necessary, apply a permethrin repellent directly to your clothing. Again, always follow the manufacturer's directions.