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For Release Friday , 31st
August, 2001
County
Commissioners got tough with
mosquitos to stem the spread
of West Nile virus, a
potentially life-threatening
disease for the elderly or
those with immunological
system problems.
The Board of County
Commissioners (BCC) approved
funding of $60,000 for the
County’s Health Department
and an additional $93,260
for the County’s
Department of Environmental
Resources Management for
additional mosquito control
measures.
Earlier last month the
disease struck some
residents in northern
Florida, but more recently a
Sarasota woman, after
vacationing in Marathon Key,
contracted the virus which
concerns health officials
about its possible spread to
South Florida.
Commissioner Warren Newell,
chairman of the BCC, said,
"We must raise the
level of awareness of
residents to the virus
without creating undue
alarm. There are simple and
sensible precautions
residents may take. First,
when going out during the
evening, wear long-sleeve
shirts and long pants to
cover as much skin as
possible, and then apply a
treatment of mosquito
repellent. Second, drain any
areas of standing water
where mosquito larva may
hatch and develop.
"The County will step
up its mosquito control
spraying activities and also
expand its monitoring and
surveillance methods. We
also ask residents to be
alert for any dead birds as
birds can serve as carriers
when bitten by mosquitos. If
any recent remains are
found, resident should
report their location to the
Health Department
at
(561) 355-3070."
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Dr,
Jean Malecki
Director,
Palm Beach
County Health Dept.
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